Published on September 25, 2026
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An update from Phelps Health and The City of Rolla
Approved on August 4, 2026, Prop S establishes a dedicated one-quarter-percent (1/4%) city sales tax to reimagine The Centre's natatorium (indoor pool), support the facility's ongoing operations and help keep membership affordable for Rolla residents.
The new sales tax is expected to begin generating revenue for the City of Rolla in spring 2027. Because both the natatorium project and any change to membership rates depend on that revenue, improvements and cost changes will roll out in sequence as funding becomes available, rather than all at once.
Next steps include a City-led design process for the reimagined natatorium area, with opportunities for public input before construction begins. Phelps Health has stated it intends to lower membership rates once the City no longer needs to subsidize the natatorium's operating cost. In the meantime, membership, programs and rates at The Centre continue unchanged, and existing affordability programs remain available.
"The Centre has always been a point of pride for Rolla, and our residents made their voices heard. Prop S lets us reinvest in this community asset, starting with a reimagined natatorium area shaped by public input, while making it affordable for the community,” said Mayor Lister Florence.
The dedication to The Centre’s future is shared by Phelps Health.
"Our commitment is straightforward: as this new process moves forward, we will work to make membership more affordable and expand programs for the community. We will be transparent about the timeline every step of the way,” said Jason Shenefield, president and CEO of Phelps Health.
Learn more about The Centre and its programs and amenities.
About the partnership: The Centre is owned by the City of Rolla. Phelps Health assumed operational leadership of the recreation areas earlier this year, while the City continues to oversee the natatorium. The collaboration brings fitness, preventive care and wellness education together in one community facility.
About The Centre
The Centre—Powered by Phelps Health, Rolla’s premier health and recreational complex, opened in 2002 after voter approval in 1999. The 63,000 square-foot facility includes a 1/10-mile walking track, exercise equipment, gymnasium, meeting rooms and an indoor pool (natatorium). Over the last 23 years, The Centre has entertained well over 3,000,000 visitors and nearly 2,000 active members.