We love parks. And really, who doesn’t?
With the exception of a few folks here and there who are cranky because field lights interrupt their sleep or because they didn’t like the way a particular park was developed, most people enjoy spending time at the parks in our region.
The question this fall will be whether Sammamish voters love their parks to the tune of a $19 million, one-time bond package and $310,000 yearly levy. We hope they will, in spite of the current economy. Worried about rising gas prices? Walk to your neighborhood park instead of driving off the Plateau. You’ll get exercise, save gas and enjoy the amenities your property taxes pay for.
Parks in Sammamish run the gamut from active-use to forests and wetlands. Parks staff and city officials have accomplished some impressive work in the nearly 10 years that Sammamish has been a city, and they’re ready to take on a new, extensive list of tasks. That’s where the request for more money comes in.
Council members said they have been discussing this parks funding package in one form or another for at least seven years, so they’re not acting in haste. They considered going as big as a $40 million package, but asked parks staff to put together a less expensive package. That led to the current configuration.
The proposal has a bit of everything: new athletic fields, trail connections, land aquisition for new parks and a teen center — and, the projects are spread fairly evenly throughout the city. Those should prove to be big selling points with voters.
Another plus is the fact that even if both proposals pass, Sammamish’s overall tax levy rate would actually be slightly lower than this year’s rate, City Finance Director Lyman Howard says. This year’s rate is $2.24 per $1,000 assessed value. With the added 18 cents per $1,000 from the proposed bond and levy, next year’s rate would likely be about $2.19, Howard said.
The challenge for bond proponents will be to convey all of these facts in an understandable manner and sway enough voters — at least 60 percent of voters, to be exact — to say “yes” this November.
Council members on Monday voted 6-0 to place the two measures on the ballot. While all the council members were supportive, Councilman Jack Barry said he’s worried about reaching the needed 60 percent “yes” threshold. As the former chief financial officer of a school district with a $40 million annual budget, he’s seen his share of bond and levy measures fail. He’s concerned about the effect of the economy on voters’ decisions.
We’re right there with you, Councilman Barry.
The pro-bond committee has a tough, uphill battle coming between now and the election. We think you should support the measure, and we hope you’ll take the time to look at the package and inform yourself. To get you started, visit www.ci.sammamish.wa.us/Events.aspx?ID=1311 and click on “Presentation Parks Bond and Financing.” And, feel free to call or e-mail city staff or your council members to ask questions. That’s what you’re paying them for.
