Eudora should have a new swimming pool by this time next year.

And by 2008, the city’s new sports and recreation center should be open next to it, City Administrator Cheryl Beatty said Tuesday after learning voters had approved a referendum for the $3.8 million complex.

“That is excellent for the community. It is desperately needed,” Beatty said.

Unofficial vote totals from Tuesday’s primary election showed 535 “yes” votes for the pool and recreation center while 325 people voted “no.”

Eudora residents will pay for the complex with a 20-year debt service on general obligation bonds issued by the city. It will be paid off with a half-cent sales tax and up to 3 mills of property taxes. A mill is $1 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

The city has no central recreation center and gym space is limited. The existing pool was built in 1975.

“Our pool has basically failed,” Beatty said. “We had to close it six times this year just because of the failure of the equipment to handle things. It’s happening on a more regular basis.”

Mayor Tom Pyle credited mothers of young children who campaigned for the referendum.

“They worked hard and got out there and walked the streets and went door to door,” Pyle said.