The opening of NEVADA, Missouri’s new aquatic center has been pushed back from 2026 to 2027. According to a letter posted on the city’s Facebook page,NEVADA is preparing to request bids for the project,wich is estimated to cost $8 million.

The letter stated, “As we don’t have that amount of up-front construction funds readily available, it is indeed necessary to borrow the $8 mil from a financial institution.”

The delay stems from incomplete city audits dating back to 2020. Audits for 2021 through 2024 must be finalized before a financial institution will consider approving the loan.

“The citizen approved aquatic center sales tax will provide the annual debt service to pay off the $8 mil. over a period of several years. by the way, since we started collecting the aquatic center sales tax, a total of $108,118.63 has been received. This means the tax generates roughly $36,000 per month. The aquatic center sales tax can only be used for the aquatic center debt service.”

Impact of the Delay

The delay means residents of NEVADA will have to wait an additional year to enjoy the new aquatic facilities. The city is working to expedite the audit process to secure funding and begin construction quickly.

“As we don’t have that amount of up-front construction funds readily available, it is indeed necessary to borrow the $8 mil from a financial institution.”

Funding the Aquatic Center

The aquatic center is being funded by a dedicated sales tax approved by voters. The tax generates approximately $36,000 per month and can only be used for the aquatic center’s debt service.As of the latest report, $108,118.63 has been collected from the sales tax.