The YMCA of Trenton operated the city's four pools the previous two summers and was the only other bidder this year
TRENTON -- The city will be turning over its pools to the YMCA of Trenton Aug. 1 after the initial vendor hired to operate them pulled out of its contract Thursday.
Georgia-based USA Management was awarded the $185,188 contract last month, but its relationship with the city soured this week over late payments.
It informed city officials of its decision to sever ties during a conference call Thursday. Its last day of service will be July 31.
"They don't feel good about doing business with the city and continuing to put the business at risk," company spokeswoman Elle Anderson had said. "They felt it was too much of a risk."
The city had been two weeks overdue on a $41,790 payroll payment. Without it, USA Management would have been unable to process its payroll and issue paychecks to the lifeguards. It was only after the lifeguards walked off the job Wednesday afternoon and the company threatened to keep the pools closed until a payment was made that the city wired over money: $20,895 at 3:02 p.m. Wednesday and another $20,895 at 9:36 a.m. Thursday.
In its own statement Thursday, the city said it informed USA Management that it would be recommending to City Council that the company's contract be terminated.
"We believe that USA Management has grossly underbid the contract, which prevents the company from managing the pool program per the requirements in the scope of services detailed in the bid," city spokesman Michael Walker said, citing concerns about the lifeguard-to-swimmer ratios and charging residents for swim lessons. "We will not compromise the safety of residents who are using our city pools and we will not burden them with additional costs to enjoy them."
On Thursday night, following an executive session, City Council voted 5-0 to first terminate its contract with USA Management and then approve an emergency contract with the YMCA. Councilmen Alex Bethea and George Muschal were absent.
The $158,160 contract will run from Aug. 1 through Sept. 12.
The YMCA, which operated the city's pools the previous two summers, was the only other bidder that had responded to the city's request for summer pool management in May.
Its total bid cost had been $256,487. Last year, its contract was for $216,761 and in 2014, $205,515.
In a letter included with its proposal, CEO Sam Frisby said an extra hour per day was calculated for unit costs than what was called for since they knew from experience that the first hour was often spent cleaning up from people who broke in at night.
He also wrote that they had a full staff in the mornings when there could be as many as 60 to 100 campers brought in. The bid required one lifeguard for every 60 swimmers, but the YMCA's standard ratio is 30-to-1.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.