Burlington to Vote on $7 Million Pool Bond
Residents will decide on November 3 if the city can levy taxes to replace the shuttered Dankwardt Park pool.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Do you support using property taxes to fund the replacement of your local community swimming pool?
Burlington voters will head to the polls on November 3 to vote on a $7 million bond referendum intended to fund a new swimming pool at Dankwardt Park. The current facility has remained closed for two years following significant liner leaks and deck damage.
Why it matters
The city needs voter authorization to levy property taxes to finance the construction project at the existing site. This vote is critical to addressing the loss of recreational water facilities that previously suffered from daily leaks of 10,000 gallons.
The proposed bond would authorize up to $7 million in property taxes to fund a new facility featuring a zero-depth entry, lap swim area, climbing wall, and diving boards. Passage of the measure requires a 60% supermajority of the vote.
The players
Burlington City Council
This local governing body manages municipal operations and determines legislative priorities for the residents of Burlington.
JEO Consulting
This professional services firm provides engineering and planning support to local governments for public infrastructure projects.
The details
The city, working alongside JEO Consulting, has designed the new pool without slides to minimize both initial construction and ongoing operational expenses. If the current proposal is rejected by voters, the city will not have another opportunity to bring the bond to the ballot until November 2027.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Residents cast their votes on the bond referendum.
Spring 2027: The city anticipates the opening of the new downtown dog park.
November 2027: The next potential election date for the referendum if the current one fails.
Political Context
The proposal must clear the Iowa constitutional requirement for 60% supermajority approval on municipal bond referendums to succeed. Opposition to the bond typically centers on concerns regarding property tax increases and the long-term maintenance costs associated with municipal recreational facilities.
If the referendum passes, property owners should expect changes to local tax levies to fund the $7 million construction cost. Voters must decide if the benefits of the new pool facility at Dankwardt Park justify the potential tax impact on their annual budgets.
The takeaway
The upcoming vote represents a critical choice between restoring a key community asset and maintaining current tax levels. Residents should review the specific plans for the zero-depth entry facility to understand how the project serves the diverse needs of the local community.
What happens next
The November 3, 2026, election will determine if the $7 million bond passes. If it fails, the next scheduled opportunity for the city to hold a vote on this specific bond is November 2027.
Further reading
For additional context on local legislative actions, visit the City Hall section.
More information
For more information on the upcoming election, visit the City of Burlington official government website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Gate City.
Live Poll
Do you support using property taxes to fund the replacement of your local community swimming pool?
