Washington County GOP Chair Issues Stern Warning To Taxpayers About Proposed Aquatic Center

Image Credit: Washington County GOP & Canva

Tennessee Conservative News [By David Seal] –

Danielle Goodrich, Chair of Washington County GOP, is warning taxpayers of Johnson City, Tennessee and encouraging them to speak up on the proposed aquatic center, the cost of which may be in the 50-to-70-million-dollar price range according to former Johnson City Mayor Pete Paduch.

Chair Goodrich provides a cautionary tale of tax-and-spend shenanigans in her recent video.

The former mayor and city commissioner was interviewed by Goodrich on Tusker TV News in which sobering numbers were discussed by the pair that would be of grave concern to all taxpayers of Johnson City, Tennessee.

In discussing Goodrich’s recent Op-Ed, the former mayor complements Goodrich for accurate reporting and cited misspending, poor management, and expressed serious concerns about the financial health of Johnson City Government. He went on to state that a new aquatic center makes no sense at all given the failed aquatic center of a neighboring municipality, and a failed golf course project undertaken by Johnson City.

Paduch also points to the Freedom Hall Pool situation.

“The City of Johnson City failed to repair a roof leak in the building” (which created greater financial problems for the city)“If they can’t manage one little pool, what makes you think they can manage an aquatic center?” – said former Johnson City Mayor Pete Paduch

To see the full interview with Chair Goodrich and Paduch, a link is provided here. Chair Goodrich and Former Mayor Pete Paduch discuss the property tax hike and aquatic center. 

Goodrich points to the city’s own feasibility study as proof that a new aquatic center will not be financially self-sustaining. Both Goodrich and Paduch point to other failed municipal projects that have become long-term burdens to taxpayers.

“The feasibility study for the aquatic center itself estimates annual operating losses approaching $750,000 per year. Yet neighboring Kingsport’s aquatic center reportedly operates at an annual deficit closer to $2.5 million. Taxpayers cover those losses.

The obvious question becomes: if a nearby regional market already struggles to sustain one large aquatic facility, why should taxpayers believe Johnson City’s projections will somehow prove substantially different? History also gives taxpayers reason for skepticism.

Johnson City purchased Buffalo Valley Golf Course in 1994 with promises of economic viability. Instead, taxpayers spent millions subsidizing operations for years before the course ultimately closed and the property was sold.

The Brinkley Center — formerly the Millennium Centre — reportedly operated at roughly a $1 million annual loss. Taxpayers funded approximately $15 million for construction, only for the facility to later be sold for around $6 million.” – Said Danielle Goodrich

In a recent email to Washington County Republicans, the following financial data was shared with the party. 

“The concern today is not simply about an aquatic center. It is about timing, priorities, trust, and financial stewardship. Johnson City is currently facing serious financial strain following the Sean Williams settlement cases. The city paid approximately $30.64 million to settle lawsuits tied to the convicted serial rapist and sex offender.

Before those payments, the city’s combined undesignated and restricted general fund balance stood at roughly $49.6 million. After the settlements — with only about $1 million covered by insurance — the remaining balance dropped to approximately $28.6 million. In one year, the city lost half of a fund balance that took generations to build. At the same time, city leaders are proposing a major new taxpayer-funded recreational project without even having a firm construction start date. That should concern every taxpayer.“

In addressing certain criticism of her Op-Ed commentary, the Chair stated the following.

“The city’s own history of underestimated costs, extended timelines, operational deficits, and failed revenue projections gives many taxpayers legitimate reasons for concern.

Fiscal conservatism, fiscal responsibility, and limited taxation remain core Republican principles. As Chair of the Washington County Republican Party, part of my responsibility is to advocate for those values.” – said Danielle Goodrich

If you would like to express your concerns to the Johnson City Commission, their contact information is linked here. City of Johnson City, Tennessee – Members

To make a request to speak at a Johnson City public meeting, a sign-up form is provided at the following link. Johnson City Request for Public Comment

About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.