The Town Council hired two firms to review the location and design, and determine the proposed construction and operating cost. How did Councilman Tolis come up with $4 million to build the lagoon and $200,000 yearly to maintain it? Did he talk to anyone or have the Crystal Lagoon Co. come to town to look at the site? Are they even interested in building such a small lagoon?

Here are some additional costs; $6 million more, not included in Tolis’s figures: Parking lot for 3,700 people. Up to a 300-ft walkway (max. allowed) from lot to project. A fence around the entire land part of the lagoon. A crash gate for fire and paramedics’ trucks. Fire hydrant, water meter and service, sewer, electric, phone and internet service. Buildings for restrooms, showers, first aid, storage for pumps, vacuum and filtration system, tanks to collect debris from lagoon, maintenance equipment to clean lots, beach and lagoon. Storage rooms for lifeguard, boats, kayaks, umbrellas, chemicals, supplies for restrooms, restaurant and food concessions. All the kitchen equipment. Dining room. Dock for boats and patios. Include in the cost of Crystal Lagoon Company’s percentage of all entrance tickets sold.

Also, a gate and alleyway for a 20-yard dumpster, propane tank and deliveries. Cost to drain the lake and build a large dam. If it has a pathway, it must be fully caged in to prevent kids or adults from diving or falling in. A security guard is a must every night, all year. Liability, compensation, fire and theft insurance. Two more buildings: a manager’s office and a clubhouse. Employees and overhead.

All this for maybe 80 days of use a year? Tolis said, “This is not going to happen unless it is going to pay for itself.” Really? How?