Pool or No Pool? Voters in Yuma Will Decide if They Want Sales & Use Tax Increase in November

Voters in the City of Yuma will decide this fall whether to fund a new public swimming pool through a proposed sales and use tax increase.

Ballot Question 2A asks voters if the city can take on up to six million dollars in debt, with total repayment costs not exceeding nine and a half million dollars, to build, equip and operate a new pool.

To pay for it, the city proposes a zero-point-seven-five percent sales and use tax, starting January first, 2026. The tax would end once the bonds are fully repaid — expected by 2042 — and would be used only for the pool project.

City officials say the increase amounts to just pennies on everyday purchases — about 38 cents more on a 50-dollar grocery bill or 75 cents on 100 dollars in gas.

Yuma’s current pool, built in the 1960s, has fallen into disrepair. After reviewing options, the city determined building a new facility would be more cost-effective than fixing the old one.

The proposed design by Essenza Architecture features a zero-entry play area, three swim lanes, a diving well and slides, plus a separate kiddie pool. The splash pad next to the complex is already funded separately and should open next year.

If voters approve the measure, the city expects to issue bonds by year’s end and open the new pool by summer 2027.

If the ballot question fails — Yuma just won’t have a public pool.