Orcas Park & Rec District Proposes $.10 per $1,000 Funding

Special Meeting scheduled for Monday, Aug. 9

The Orcas Island Parks and Recreation District Board of Commissioners yesterday proposed that a resolution be submitted to “authorize the San Juan County Auditor place before the voters during the November 3, 2010 general election a proposition requesting approval of funding for the Orcas Island Park and Recreation District in the amount of 10 (ten) cents per $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) of assessed value of property in each year for six consecutive years following voter approval.”

The resolution cites the formation of the Orcas Island Park and Recreation District (OIPRD) approved by voters on Nov. 3, 2009, the formation of commissioners for and boundaries of the OIPRD on Dec. 8, 2009, the Commissioners’ “desire to fund the district so that the district may fulfill its duties to provide programs, services, and other matters and functions related to parks management and recreational services and activities, as set forth in RCW 36.69.130;” and the OIPRD’s desire “for voters to approve a property tax levy to fund OIPRD, as authorized by RCW 36.69.145.”

It then goes on to state:

The Board of Commissioners authorizes and requests that the San Juan County Auditor place before the voters during the November 3, 2010 general election the proposition requesting approval of funding for the OIPRD in the amount of 10 (ten) cents per $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) of assessed value of property in each year for six consecutive years following voter approval.

The resolution for the property tax levy to be placed on the November ballot to provide funding for the Orcas Island Park and Recreation District was accompanied by a letter to the County Auditor, copied to the Prosecuting Attorney, asking that the Explanatory Statement on the ballot include reference to the purposes for the revenue. “We understand the Prosecuting Attorney‘s office normally drafts Explanatory Statements and therefore provide the following as ‘suggested’ language only,” the letter states.

Suggested Explanatory Statements:

• In accordance with the powers granted Park and Recreation Districts via RCW 36.69.130 the OIPRD Commissioners have specified the following purposes, among others, for the revenue.

• OIPRD funding will be partially used to administer and/or fund recreational programming similar to, but not limited to, the activities formerly provided through the organization known as “Orcas Rec.”

• Revenue may also be used to secure joint or sole use, repair and/or maintenance of facilities judged to be necessary and appropriate for improving safety and/or enhancing or increasing recreational opportunities for Orcas Islanders.

The resolution and accompanying letter were delivered today, August 5,  to the County Auditor. They will be reviewed by the San Juan County Auditor and the Prosecuting Attorney to confirm or alter the following language of the ballot proposition:

WILL THE ORCAS ISLAND PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED TO IMPOSE REGULAR PROPERTY TAX LEVIES OF 10 CENTS PER THOUSAND DOLLARS OF ASSESSED VALUATION FOR EACH YEAR FOR SIX CONSECUTIVE YEARS?

Voters will then have the final say on the funding for the OIPRD district through their ballot on Nov. 3.

Commissioners for the OIPRD are Jim Bredouw, Bob Eagan, Martha Farish, Ian LIster and Vicki Vandermay. They will meet on Monday, Aug. 9 at the Eastsound Fire Hall from 10 a.m. to 12 noon to discuss budget and programming, and the November ballot proposition at a Special Meeting.