It took Sequim City councilors an extra two weeks to mull their decision, but they are now on board with supporting a feasibility study about the Olympic Peninsula YMCA running the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center.

They voted unanimously on Oct. 12 to support the study by the YMCA with $5,000 toward the $36,000 project creating a business plan.

The phone and online survey began on Oct. 8 and ends on Oct. 24.

Kyle Cronk, chief executive officer for the YMCA, said several entities are committed to the study and that Clallam County commissioners committed to match up to $6,000 of the city council’s decision.

Councilor Ted Miller said normally he is adverse to giving taxpayers’ money to other entities but found this to be a special case.

“Maintaining the SARC pool is essential for the community,” he said. “I sincerely hope the YMCA can make this work.”

Councilor Dennis Smith said there are a lot of reasons to keep SARC maintained.

“The taxpayers (in Eastern Clallam County) in the county own the property,” he said. “We have every reason to make it profitable and keep it open.”

Some city councilors were hesitant to make a decision on Sept. 28, as they waited for other entities to support the study. Some councilors also expressed concern over SARC’s board of commissioners not unanimously voting to support the study.

On Monday, Councilor Ken Hays wanted to know if SARC would turn its attention to long-range planning for the pool again after diverting its focus to a weight room and expanded programming over the years.

Cronk said if the YMCA can successfully manage the facility, they’ll look to see what collaboration they can do.

“The sky is the limit,” he said. “What does the community need and what will they support?”

Councilor Erik Erichsen was hesitant SARC’s board would support the YMCA after the study is revealed.

“I can’t force them,” Cronk said. “At the end of the day, the legal way is through a management agreement.”

Cronk said his organization is taking a risk by showing how to make the facility viable but they hope SARC’s board agrees.

The YMCA adopted a strategic plan in 2010. Cronk said that with an active Boys & Girls Club and SARC healthy, they only would access Sequim by invitation.

But now with the YMCA as a possible managing company for SARC, Cronk said they must see if there’s a market and what the capital fees are for the building.

In the short term, he said there about $500,000-$1.5 million in needs at SARC.

“We’ve identified about a million of that $1.5 million all with the caveat that we have a sustainable business plan first,” Cronk said.

“That’s a no brainer,” Cronk said.

Included in the YMCA’s study, they’ll analyze membership opportunities and fees and what the philanthropic community would do annually.

Cronk said collaboration is key among entities and the communities across the peninsula.

Following the survey, he said they’ll create a business plan and determine the gaps.

“There are multiple paths for SARC to be successful,” he said.

If the YMCA were to manage SARC eventually, Cronk said it likely wouldn’t create a new taxing district so that SARC can still go to voters if needed.

To take the online survey, visit surveys.strategicresearch.net/cgi-bin/sequim.htm or www.sarcfitness.com.