Eric Maiwald of Springboro had hoped to get a life-guarding job there next summer. "For less than $10 anyone could use this water park. I'll miss it," said Maiwald.
City leaders also voted to cut 28 full-time positions, 16 of which are currently vacant. They said 12 employees will be laid off and 30 part-time positions will also removed.
Currently, the administrative staff and non-union staff are taking four hours of unpaid furlough each month. Those furlough hours will likely be expanded in 2010.
All employees also accepted reductions in health benefits or pay reductions in 2008 and 2009.
They said the 2010 General Fund budget is about 10 percent less than the 2009 budget and these actions were necessary.
Moraine City Manager Dave Hicks said, "It was very difficult breaking the news of layoffs to affected employees who have done excellent work, and provided valuable services to the citizens."
Hicks said the layoffs, closing the water park and other cost reductions are expected to save Moraine about $1.5 million. He said any plans to reopen the water park would be based on the economy, but that it would likely be operated on a smaller scale than in previous years.