Island Rec Levy
Posted February 20, 2015 at 5:28 am by Tim Dustrude
This note is from Sally Thomsen, program director at Island Rec…
Island Rec’s 6-Year Levy Expires; Levy Renewal in April
San Juan Island Park and Recreation District, better known as Island Rec, is funded through a property tax approved by voters every six years. The current levy which expires this year has funded school sports and Island Rec’s parks and programs since 2010. By state law Park and Recreation District levies are limited to 6 years with a financial cap of 60 cents. On January 20th, Island Rec’s Commissioners unanimously signed a resolution requesting a 38.5 cents levy be put on the April Ballot to continue Island Rec parks and programs, school sports and the operation and maintenance of a new 30 acre community park.
18.5cents will be dedicated to continue Island Rec’s parks, programs and services including the Trails Committee. In 2014 Island Rec organized over 2,900 hours of recreation programs for nearly 15,000 participants of all ages. Island Rec operates and maintains the Family Park and Skatepark at the Fairgrounds, Eddie and Friends Dog Park on Mullis Street and Lafarge Open Space (gravel pit) on Pear Point Road.
12 cents will be dedicated to the school sports program as it exists today. The school district has applied its local levy to sustain basic education and has no further levy tax capability. The school district has no other viable budgetary options to continue a school sports program without Island Rec’s partnership.
8 cents will be dedicated to operate and maintain the new 30 acre community park on Carter Street. The park property is owned by the school district and has been developed by Friday Harbor Athletic Association with private dollars. Accomplishments made by Don Galt Sr. in developing this park were re-energized in 2014 by a major donation and by the oversight of a new committee headed by FHAA, with Island Rec, youth sports associations and a neighborhood representative as members. This new park will include much needed athletic fields, a playground, restrooms and a perimeter trail.
This levy renewal request will be on the April Ballot mailed to all registered voters on San Juan Island. To validate the Election Island Rec needs 1,700 people to vote and then a 60% majority it to pass. Neither Island Rec nor school sports program has funding to operate beyond 2015.
More information about Island Rec and this levy request can be found on www.islandrec.org or by contact Island Rec Director, Sally Thomsen at 378-4953 or any Island Rec Board Commissioner.
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Categories: Around Here
2 comments:
2 comments...
Island Rec provides WONDERFUL opportunities for families and children to “get out and interact”! The parks, trails and community events maintained and coordinated by Island Rec allows those new to the Island to meet locals and for locals to grow and maintain close bonds. I FULLY SUPPORT ISLAND REC!!!!
Seems like an excessive amount to ask for. Like over double what it was. Good luck on letting the public swallow this
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