Dear Editor: As a newish resident to Ouray, it’s not always clear what exactly the issues are with the Ouray Hot Springs. When longtime residents mention the hot springs were better before the remodel it was never clear what exactly the remodel spoiled. Last week’s article helped solve one mystery — the overall pool design is not ideal for retaining heat. It’s clear many city projects have had contracting and engineering issues, so I understand why people are passionate about this proposal and why City Council wants to fix the issue quickly.

But artificially heating the pool also comes with risk and on-going costs.

With a projected price tag of $5.5 million and an estimated annual energy cost of $127,000, the revenue generated from the hot springs decreases. The hot springs currently generates $270,000 in net revenue. Admissions to the Hot Springs would have to increase by more than 5,000 annually to defer this additional cost.

When City Council shifted its focus from gas to an electric boiler, I believe one reason was to make it more environmentally friendly. I argue that continuing the 4,000-foot Box Canon Line work, fixing water leaks, possibly drilling a new line, and cleaning out the line annually are the greenest options to the problem.

Keep in mind, the city of Ouray has 17 years left to pay off the $2.6 million loan for the 2017 remodel. If City Council moves forward with this expense, we will have spent $8.1 million in the last seven years. These figures do not include the bathhouse remodel that is also being discussed. There are only so many grants and federal subsidies our city administrator can apply for. There will be additional costs.

Lastly, it says a lot about how much the people of Ouray care about our hot springs when Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs owner Craig Hinkson and General Manager Ryan Hein ask City Council to reconsider this proposal. These are two people who could benefit from spoiling our community hot springs even more, given Twin Peaks’ successful hot springs remodel. I can imagine our city tourism director having to combat savvy marketing campaigns from competitors that point out that the Ouray Hot Springs are no longer naturally heated, dubbing it Ouray Hot Tub & Pool.

There are no easy fixes, but let’s not make a decision that could remove any allure that remains for our struggling hot springs.

Janelle Arthur Ouray