WEST BOUNTIFUL -- Members of the West Bountiful City Council, meeting Tuesday night, postponed for a second time a decision on whether to hike the city's contribution to the South Davis Recreation Center. Members in attendance felt the matter important enough to have a full board present before voting, and Bonnie Sorenson was unable make Tuesday's meeting. But they also wanted more information on the reasons behind the request for more money. Of particular concern was just how construction costs ended up exceeding the amount bonded for.

City administrator Wendell Wild re-introduced the matter, reminding council members that when construction bids for the new rec center came in, the low bid was still $1 million more than the bond amount.

Mayor Carl Martin, who represents the city on the recreation center board, said that body's first reaction was an attempt to trim the size of the facility. But that would have meant eliminating a couple of sports courts and reducing the size of the indoor pool.

"Many of those on hand felt that reducing the size would leave them with a facility that just wouldn't meet the needs of their residents," he said. "So we tried to look for other sources of money, such as a private donor or sponsorship, but we were unsuccessful."

It was at that point, Martin added, that Bountiful City stepped forward to volunteer to front the additional costs. Other participating cities would then pay Bountiful back their share of that amount, based on population. To ease the financial burden they would be given three years to come up with the money.

West Bountiful's total share, Wild reported, was $60,092. It would pay just over $20,000 a year. A single dissenting vote among the participants, however, could kill the deal.

"Everyone is either in or everyone is out, that's what I was told," said Martin.

All four council members in attendance spoke of their support for the new recreation facility, noting that it would enhance the quality of life for their community. But they still had some misgivings.

"One million dollars is 5 to 6 percent over the bond amount," said James Behunin. "I'd like to hold their (the board's) feet to the fire and get them to explain."

"I've always been a supporter of the recreation center," Roy Johnson said. "But to say $60,000, or $20,000 a year, is this going to be the end of it?"

"If we still have questions," said DeVan Pack, "then maybe we should table it again."

Pack's motion to do that was seconded by Jeff Tingey and passed by unanimous vote.

bmickelson@davisclipper.com