By Joe Bachman

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — City council members “took the plunge” tonight.

To kickoff the city’s fundraising efforts to raise money for the regional aquatics center, city officials dressed up in their best beach attire at Tuesday’s common council meeting. Members passed along a beach hat down the chamber, which ended up filled with monetary donations.

“I know we pledged our support and this is an exciting time for Rapids,” said Alderperson Terry Dolan. “This is just a great cause and I want to pledge my support and pass the hat to kick off the fundraiser.”

The city plans to raise $6.5 million dollars through private, public, and philanthropic means. The total cost of the project will be $12 million, $5.5 million of which the city will fund. Monday kicked off ‘Aquatics Fundraising Week’ for the city.