As we approach the halfway mark of the 2017 summer, perhaps it’s time the community blow the whistle to stop play on the community swimming pool endeavor.

For the second time this year, bids for the much-debated pool project came in higher than the original estimate of $1 million.

Earlier this year, the first rounds of bids came in at $1.7 million. The latest bids were between $1.2 and $1.4 million.

The project is already overbudget before the first spade of real dirt has been turned. Officials turned a few bits of ceremonial dirt last year ahead of City of Natchez elections, presumably to show some action on the project.

We have long supported the idea of a comprehensive recreation plan that includes many parts, including a pool.

But for the sake of political expediency, the pool project was carved out and pushed as a separate project.

Unfortunately, that project seems to be much more costly than originally planned.

Further, the project will come at a time when the City of Natchez remains uncertain on its own financial wherewithal and when Adams County is concerned over the possible job losses that could come if the Adams County Correctional Center is forced by the Bureau of Prisons to reduce the number of inmates it houses.

We urge leaders to not merely jump into the pool water and hope and pray we can swim to the other side. Rather, make a solid plan, ensure the community can pay for and fully support that plan, then begin construction.