WHY A NEW DISTRICT TO PROVIDE RECREATION PROGRAMS?
Orcas Island recreation activities need stable and consistent leadership. The Orcas Parks and Recreation District will provide the leadership needed to provide healthy leisure time activities for people of all ages on Orcas Island. The leadership will come from five elected park commissioners, all from Orcas Island.
HOW WILL THE NEW DISTRICT BE FUNDED?
A funding plan will be developed by the newly elected commissioners, probably sometime in the first few months of 2010. The district on San Juan Island provides funding with a combination of fees for services, state and federal grants, and private contributions. Property taxes may be used for periods of up to six years, but only after there has been voter approval. No new tax is associated with this proposal.
WILL THE NEW DISTRICT BE FUNDED BY THE COUNTY?
Unfortunately, no. The County leaders have said they will not fund recreation programs for Orcas Island in 2010 and they are looking forward to a transition to a park and recreation district. The County’s proposed levy lid lift is earmarked for county parks on other islands and does not help Orcas recreation programs.
HOW WILL THE TRANSITION TO THE NEW DISTRICT OCCUR?
A transition plan will be one of the first orders of business for the newly elected commissioners. It is expected that there will be a smooth transition as all commissioner candidates have expressed a strong desire to continue recreation programs for people of all ages.
Vote yes for Orcas Parks and Recreation!
Kevin and Nancy O’Brien
Eastsound
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