(PUEBLO, Colo.) — After recently vetoing the ordinance that would designate the City Park Bathhouse as a local historic landmark, the Mayor of Pueblo has now said the demolition of it needs additional funding and is short by more than a million dollars.

On Monday, Nov. 18, the bathhouse was the main point of discussion during the City Council Work Session as the project — which includes the demolition of the current bathhouse and the reconstruction of a new building — needed additional funding.

The project is currently short by $1,316,841, however, Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham announced to the City Council that a little over $1.6 million is available to meet the shortfall. According to the City, the demolition of the bathhouse and the reconstruction of the new tennis building needs additional funding due to increased construction, abatement, and inflation.

“The shortfall is disappointing, yet we’ve found a solution to transfer additional funding sources without compromising our already stretched budget,” said Mayor of Pueblo Heather Graham.  “We have no intention of allocating general fund dollars and look to find a creative solution which allocates dollars already available to the City.”

Funding would come from sources such as the include the project of the Arkansas Levee Trail Construction, City Park Renovation, Bathroom City Park Maintenance, and a transfer from Landfill Alternatives which together total $433,866. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are also available to assist.

Earlier in September, Mayor Graham vetoed Ordinance No. 10778 which designated the bathhouse as a local historical landmark. The passing of the ordinance then disregarded a previous decision in May when the City Council approved a construction contract and budget to move forward with a new facility for which the city has been raising funds since 2011.

“My veto should not be construed to diminish the historic significance of the bath house,” Mayor Graham said at the time the ordinance passed. “Preservation of the building simply does not make fiscal sense.  At a time when City Council is justifiably concerned with the City’s revenues and expenditures, it is irresponsible to spend significant taxpayers’ dollars to preserve this building when construction of a second building is still necessary to meet the needs of the City.”

The bathhouse was constructed during the Works Progress Administration Era in the 1930s, since then, it has suffered from significant structural issues related to groundwater infiltration and unstable soil conditions.

In September, Mayor Graham also mentioned the bathhouse had a failing foundation and dated accommodations.

These issues, in addition to the need for modern amenities and ADA accessibility, led the City to decide to replace the bathhouse with a new facility designed to serve future generations.

“While we understand that demolishing a historic structure can be an emotional issue for some members of the community, we have a responsibility to ensure public facilities are safe, functional, and sustainable,” said Mayor Heather Graham. “We’ve begun this work with full consideration of the bathhouse’s historical value, and elements of the original structure will be preserved in the new facility to keep its legacy alive.”

The City recognizes the historical significance and has committed to preserving key elements of the original structure. Stone materials will be salvaged and incorporated into the new tennis building, and an interpretative wall will be installed to educate visitors about the bathhouse’s historical role.

City staff and Mayor Graham will continue to discuss and have received direction to put an ordinance for consideration for the next steps with the construction. The meeting will take place Monday, Dec. 2.