The dehumidifier at the Hildred T. Moore Aquatic & Fitness Center might be rebuilt instead of being replaced by a new unit.

During its meeting tonight, the Washington City Council will consider the rebuild option, which would cost an estimated $91,942. In September, the council approved a $153,007 purchase order for Thermal Resources Sales to replace the dehumidifier, which has experienced problems in recent years. Early last year, an initial estimate put the cost of replacing the unit at about $300,000. That amount, combined with the pool operating at a deficit, had the council considering closing the pool. That possibility resulted in the Save the Pool campaign, an effort between the city and pool supporters.

Under a previous funding agreement, the city allocated $76,504 toward the $153,007, with the Save the Pool campaign tasked with raising $76,403. Currently, the city has appropriated $41,099 from its fund balance for the project, with the Save the Pool campaign having raised $50,843, for a total of $91,942, according to a city document.

“An additional contribution of $20,000 has been pledged with the raising of a like amount during the month of January. The City’s contribution to the project accomplishes the match,” reads a memorandum from Matt Rauschenbach, the city’s administrative services director and chief financial officer, to the mayor and council members.

In other business, the council is scheduled to set a date for a planning retreat.

The retreat allows the mayor, council members and city staff to discuss short-term and long-term city projects and programs and how they could affect upcoming budgets. The retreat allows city staff to make recommendations regarding city operations, with the elected officials developing new policies or modifying existing policies based on input from the city manager, finance director and department heads.

The council meets at 5:30 p.m. today in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 102 E. Second St. To view the council’s agenda for a specific meeting, visit the city’s web­site at www.washingtonnc.gov, click “City Agendas.” Locate the appropriate agenda (by date) under the “Washington City Council” heading, then click on that specific agenda listing.