The proposal to give a tax break to certain swim clubs is highly inequitable and imprudent.
Howard County has gotten by with one public pool for 40 years because Columbia's pools, built and maintained at great cost to Columbia residents, have served a large percentage of county residents.
With membership open to all, with even non-resident fees lower than most other clubs, and with deep discounts for lower-income Columbia residents, Columbia Association pools provide a valuable public service. If any pools deserve a tax break, it's Columbia's.
To extend tax relief to Columbia pools would greatly increase the cost of this proposal. But not to do so is extremely unfair. The answer is simple. The County Council should drop the whole thing.
Norma Rose
Wilde Lake