Hartley council sets pool rates, discusses lifeguard needs

The Hartley City Council made clear on Monday that if more lifeguard applications weren't received soon, the brand new pool would have a hard time opening the doors this summer.

The council signed off on increasing the starting lifeguard wage from $8.50 per hour to $10 in an effort to bolster interest. According to discussion, the new rate aligns more closely with other aquatic centers throughout the area.

"You've gotta be halfway competitive because you can go to the gas station and get $15 [an hour]. The kids see that," said Mayor Rodney Ahrenstorff. "But on the same token, we can't afford t...