It will soon be more expensive to swim at the Oak Harbor pool.

In a contentious decision, the board that oversees the North Whidbey Parks and Recreation District decided to raise prices, effective at the start of the new year.

An adult admission will rise from $3.50 to $5, and all other prices will rise, including lockers, punch cards and classes such as water aerobics.

The complete price list is posted on the district’s website at www.oakharborpool.com.

The district, which stretches outside the city borders, has struggled in recent years to retain leadership and develop a budget that includes a plan to make needed maintenance repairs at the pool.

Prices haven’t kept pace with area pools and the users should pay for the programs they use, said board member Donna Sue Holly.

Holly was part of a subcommittee that took a closer look at area prices and the budget.

“As a taxpayer who uses the pool, I think the people who use the pool should pay more,” she said. “The programs should pay for themselves.”

And two more of her colleagues on the board, Sean Merrill and Wendy Shingleton, said they agree. Board members Steve Hoffmire and Cecil Pierce voted “no.”

After a months-long search, the board hired a new director, someone the board said they are confident can turn the district around: Steve McCaslin, a former Navy officer with business experience.

McCaslin spent his first few weeks diving into the budget and coming up with a plan, which the board approved. It includes plans to start addressing some of the district’s more pressing maintenance issues, including a leaky roof at the pool.

McCaslin said he’d like to avoid asking taxpayers for more money and is working with staff to come up with some fresh ideas for raising revenue.

He also said he’s keeping a close eye on spending.

“Quite frankly, next year is a rebuilding year to get us back on stable ground,” he said. “They’ve operated at a deficit this year.”

The swim team based at the pool has started a nonprofit organization to help pick up more of the team’s costs. McCaslin said he’d like to see something similar for the entire district — a booster club for North Whidbey Parks and Recreation.

He said he’s doing his best to listen to district patrons, including the ladies who frequent the pool for morning aerobics. They haven’t been shy about voicing their concerns.

“I’m here to make this thing work for the community,” he said.