As the Powell Aquatic Center speeds toward completion in March 2010, word of a significant cash infusion came as an early Christmas present.Park County Treasurer Nena Graham-Burke announced this week that overages in the amount of $2.63 million have been collected on the recently-suspended, county-wide capital facilities tax. The over-collection will be divided proportionately among the three projects receiving funding from the tax, with the Powell pool receiving the lion's share — up to $1.79 million, which is significantly more than anticipated earlier this year.Powell residents have watched — and have done their fair share of grousing — as pool costs exceeded initial estimates. While the tax has raised a large sum of money in a relatively painless way — especially considering that a significant amount was contributed by tourists — whenever a project goes over budget, there is certainly room for concern.The extra capital facilities tax money will help the city replenish coffers diminished by pool construction costs and will enable both city officials and citizens to breathe a sigh of relief.While the funds won't be turned over to the city until August 2010, the additional money on the horizon is a welcome bonus.

As the Powell Aquatic Center speeds toward completion in March 2010, word of a significant cash infusion came as an early Christmas present.

Park County Treasurer Nena Graham-Burke announced this week that overages in the amount of $2.63 million have been collected on the recently-suspended, county-wide capital facilities tax. The over-collection will be divided proportionately among the three projects receiving funding from the tax, with the Powell pool receiving the lion's share — up to $1.79 million, which is significantly more than anticipated earlier this year.

Powell residents have watched — and have done their fair share of grousing — as pool costs exceeded initial estimates. While the tax has raised a large sum of money in a relatively painless way — especially considering that a significant amount was contributed by tourists — whenever a project goes over budget, there is certainly room for concern.

The extra capital facilities tax money will help the city replenish coffers diminished by pool construction costs and will enable both city officials and citizens to breathe a sigh of relief.

While the funds won't be turned over to the city until August 2010, the additional money on the horizon is a welcome bonus.