The Sammamish City Council voted Nov. 18 to support the more expensive funding plan for the new community center, opposed to the reduced scope spending plan that had been presented.

The more expensive funding model was the original plan set forth by city planners, but after discussion a reduced-scope plan was also presented for $30 million. This reduced-scope plan would mean reductions and cutbacks in the approved layout of the community center. The more expensive plan, or the original plan, would be $34.3 million and include more amenities.

In a recent community vote, Sammamish citizens voted “yes” to specific community center features, such as a lap pool with six lanes, a family spa, a full-sized gym and a smaller gym. Mayor Tom Odell said that since the people of Sammamish made it clear they want a community center with certain features, the worst mistake they could make is to undersize the project at this point. Councilwoman Nancy Whitten agreed, referencing the boost in the economy and an increase in revenue as a reason to approve the more expensive model.

Those opposed were Councilman John Curley and Deputy Mayor Ramiro Valderrama. Valderrama said that just because the economy has gotten better doesn’t mean that another $5 million needs to be thrown at the project. Curley agreed and said it’s too easy to spend other people’s money without thinking about the consequences. 

In a 5-2 vote, the council approved the $34.3 million plan and will move forward with community center plans. It is scheduled to open in the late fall of 2015.