By KALEY CONNER

kconner@dailynews.net

COLBY -- Residents will head to the polls today to decide if a three-quarter cent sales tax should be implemented to fund recent construction of a fire station and development of a new swimming pool.

The tax would take effect in April and sunset 10 years later. A cap of $5 million would be used for the pool project, with $2.5 million to pay off debt associated with construction of a new fire station.

"I would like to see a large turnout because I would like it to truly reflect the wishes of the citizens," said City Manager Carolyn Armstrong. "I'm hoping for a good turnout."

Construction of a new fire station was completed in April after the original station's roof collapsed several years ago. Bonds have been issued to offset costs, but it would save the city more than $460,000 to pay off that debt by a 10-year sales tax instead of a 20-year property tax collection, she said.

A conceptual drawing of the aquatic park has been completed by Aquatic Design Consultants Inc. and includes a lazy river, water obstacle course, multiple water slides, a zero-depth area and a lap pool.

A project location has yet to be determined, Armstrong said, noting the current facility is land-locked and at least 4 acres of land will be needed.

The city's current pool is nearly 70 years old, constructed as a Works Progress Administration project in 1941. It is not compliant with current Americans with Disabilities Act mandates, and improvements would be cost-prohibitive, she said.

The heating system no longer works properly, and many residents choose to swim in nearby towns, said Jennifer Burr, a Colby resident who has helped lead the initiative for a new swimming pool. A group of residents brought the idea of a new pool to the city council in July.

"There's just not that many people who swim there during the summer," Burr said. "It's very cold."

Colby also is home to an active community swim team, which consists of more than 100 members, Burr said.

A 12-person swimming pool committee paved the way for the proposal and plans if it should pass. In addition to giving city residents a more attractive option, it's hoped a new facility would become a regional draw, Burr said.

"I think the main motivation was wanting to have a recreational facility that represents Colby," she said. "We don't want to lose people because we don't offer the recreational facilities that people expect."

For more information about the project, visit www.colbypool.com.