DOBSON — On the surface, young people enjoying friendly competition in a swimming pool seems an uncomplicated pursuit, but a deeper look at the Dobson Dolphins Swim Team reveals waves of financial issues nearly drowning its non-profit operation.
The team owns the public pool in Dobson, located on Gillespie Street, and relies on proceeds from pool users to fund not only its activities, but maintenance and upkeep of the facility and operating expenses.
In addition to user fees and concession sales, the pool and team survive through donations, fundraisers, help from a couple of sponsors and occasional grants — but lately it’s not enough.
“No pun intended, we’re just barely staying afloat,” said Jeff Wolfe, a volunteer with the team since 2016 who serves as certified pool operator for the…
