Little bit of an odd one in the list of supplemental appropriations being voted on by JFAC this morning: Pool toys and a disinfection system for the new kiddie pool at Lava Hot Springs. It’s not state tax money; it’s dedicated funds that come from the operation itself, which is operated by a foundation that falls under the state Department of Parks & Recreation. The explanation is even odder: The pool toys and ultraviolet light disinfection system were included in the original appropriation for the $1.4 million project approved by lawmakers last session, but then the state fire marshal required the project to add a fire sprinkler system. Sen. Roy Lacey, D-Pocatello, said a sprinkler system wasn’t originally included “because it’s over water.” But at the direction of the fire marshal, “They had to take the money from the pool toys … to put a sprinkler system in over a swimming pool.”

The $140,000 supplemental appropriation will cover the disinfection system to protect against cryptosporidium and other parasitic outbreaks, along with wading pool toys including a hydro slide, spin brella, spinning tray, vortex cascade, mushroom maze, water flower, geyerino and deck jets. “This will just greatly enhance the pool’s opportunity for children,” said Rep. Marc Gibbs, R-Grace. “It’ll be a great addition to the community, and these are dedicated funds.”