Park and Rec District Funding Debated at LWV Forum

Orcas Park and Recreation District Spokesmen Explain Proposition 1

At the League of Women Voters (LWV) Candidates Forum on Saturday, Oct. 16, speakers for and against Proposition 1 on the General Election Ballot had their say. I approved, this proposition “would impose for the first time a regular property tax levy in the amount of $0.10 per $1000 of assessed valuation for tax years 2011-2016, subject to the limit factors in RCW Chapter 84.55, for the purpose of funding recreational and park programs, services and activities on Orcas Island.” (from the Voters Guide).

This amount is expected to generate $279,000 in 2011 to fund the Orcas Island Park and Recreation District (OIPRD), a taxing district which was formed without funding last November.

Speaking for the measure, OIPRD Commissioner Jim Bredouw said that in his experience, park and recreation districts give a “critical touchstone” to young people in sports, science and music. He noted that the County-sponsored Orcas Recreation Program will close its doors Nov. 1, but that the Park and Recreation District had been voted into existence last fall by a 3-to-1 margin.

With programs for all generations, Bredouw described the OIPRD as an essential public service for the community. He noted that both sheriff candidates had endorsed county park and rec districts as measurably reducing juvenile crime, teenage pregnancy and providing rehabilitation. He added that the funds raised by the levy on Orcas would be spent on Orcas.

Cindy Carter spoke against the funding measure, while repeatedly stating her support for the Park and Recreation District on a volunteer basis. She noted that 249 families seek relief from the Food Bank and said, “We should not add to this burden… taxes are permanent.”

Bredouw responded that the tax levy of Proposition 1 is to expire in six years, and would again be subject to a public vote at that time.

Bob Connell asked how the OIPRD could be structured and maintained to provide the “essential and good” activities it provides.

Carter responded, “Parents need to get busier if [the programs] are important to them. Perhaps if [the programs were denied, the loss of resources would get people active.”

Carter also said, “People have money,” and that fundraising and grant applications to organizations such as the Gates Foundation should be encouraged.

Bredouw said that the “food bank people” need the programs of the OIPRD “more than anyone.” He asked, “who’s going to organize the soccer teams, the schedules, the space rentals?” Even with a director, included in the budget created by the OIPRD Commissioners, Bredouw noted that the District will continue to seek grants and charge fees, as the Rec Program has done in the past.

Anne Peterson asked about the proposed staffing of the OIPRD. Bredouw noted that paid staffing of a director and assistant director will only begin in March 2011 if the district levy is approved by voters next month.  He said that paid subcontractors – for swimming, aerobics for seniors, teen night supervision and the after-school program —  are part of the budget, which can be found at www.orcasparkandrec.com

Ian Lister, also a OIPRD Commissioner, fielded a question about maintaining the parks component of the district, noting that the physical facilities would include Buck Park and the Funhouse. Buck Park was accepted by the Orcas Island School District as its fiduciary agent from the Buck Family; the school district is now challenged to provide for its maintenance. Bredouw and Lister noted that there are several privately- and county-owned properties that may fall under the OIPRD’s purview.

Carter said, “The most generous people are on Orcas Island,” and once [the OIPRD] “makes the need public, and ask from people who can afford [to contribute],” the maintenance will be provided.

Rachel Adams asked how the funds in the proposed levy will be allocated, particularly for parks maintenance. Bredouw replied that $30, 000 to $50,000 is set aside in the proposed budget to maintain Buck Park; and that the school’s maintenance of the park requires union negotiations. The OIPRD would not be under those restrictions, Bredouw said; however, negotiations can’t even begin until the OIPRD is funded.

In response to a question from Patty Miller, Bredouw said his understanding that the maintenance costs incurred by the OIPRD would benefit the school district, which would no longer have that funding obligation.

He added that he has found insurance coverage that includes park maintenance as well as sailing, soccer and other programs.

Carter reiterated that she supported the OIPRD, but that “funding should be through grants and donations as the community sees the need.”  She encouraged people to volunteer their time to the OIPRD.

Marian O’Brien asked how the Park and Rec District could continue if the levy doesn’t pass. Carter replied that the Board of Directions should include someone “active in fundraising as with most non-profits.” (Editor’s note: OIPRD is not a non-profit but a county taxing district).

Bredouw said that the OIPRD is now all-volunteer commissioners, who would “do our best to keep the rec programs alive.”

He noted that in 8 days, on Nov. 1, the County will cease all support to the Orcas Rec Program, including office space in the Senior Center-County building, computer use, telephone  and internet connections and fiduciary oversight.

(For more information on Proposition 1, go to the online voters guide at OnlineVotersGuide.aspx#ososTop )