Cary's pool predicament may finally have a solution, after years of debate and discussion.

Town staffers have started talking with the YMCA about a partnership.

The entire idea is still in its infancy.

"YMCA collaborations with municipalities are nothing new," said Jennifer Nelson, the YMCA's Public Relations Director.  "The YMCA of the Triangle is currently in talks with a number of communities in the region about expanding our service. Our talks with the Town of Cary are in the very early stages."

Town council members say they hope that Cary can help the Y build a new facility, possibly on the Hawes Tract, and then let the YMCA run it.

That concept would save the town about half a million dollars each year in operating costs.

Councilmember Jack Smith has floated this idea to previous councils before, but it didn't generate a lot of support.

"Politics being politics, it didn't gain much traction," said Councilmember Don Frantz.

Frantz said that if it all goes through, the town would give the YMCA more than $12 million to expand, which is only about half of the $24 million dollars budgeted for a new town-run facility.