Lacey residents may soon have the opportunity to vote on a new funding source for the city's parks system.
The Lacey City Council heard a presentation from the Parks Improvement Funding Workgroup (PIFWG) at their Dec. 17 meeting, which outlined the group's recommendations for a funding measure to address the city's parks needs.
The workgroup, formed earlier this year, was tasked with reviewing the city's parks capital improvement program and recommending funding sources and priorities.
"After considering numerous funding options, the workgroup determined that an MPD (Metropolitan Park District) was the most viable path for predictable and dedicated funding to manage, maintain and improve Lacey parks," said Evette Temple, chair of the workgroup.
The workgroup recommended a levy rate of 45 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, which they estimate would generate around $5.9 million annually for parks. This would cost the average homeowner about $225 in annual property tax (based on the average residential property assessment of $500,000).
They also recommended allocating 40% of MPD revenue to maintenance and operation (M&O) needs, with 60% directed toward new capital projects.
The workgroup also provided prioritized lists of new capital projects and M&O projects based on community priorities, maintenance needs and service gaps.
Top new capital projects include the development of pickleball courts and skate features at Meridian Park, a spray park in Central Lacey, and a potential pool and indoor playground partnership.
M&O priorities include the replacement of the Huntamer Park playground and the resurfacing of trails at Wonderwood Park.
The council expressed support for the workgroup's recommendations, directing staff to provide additional details on the proposed funding measure, project priorities and implementation timeline at a work session in January 2025.
If the council decides to move forward, the measure would need to be placed on the ballot for voter approval.
The PIFWG was established by Lacey City Council Resolutions 1148 and 1156, aimed at tackling the growing challenges of maintaining and developing parks amid aging infrastructure, increasing maintenance needs and a rapidly expanding population.
The workgroup's mandate included reviewing the six-year Parks Capital Improvement Program (PCIP), analyzing funding options and recommending a funding package to the council.
From 2021 to 2023, the Lacey Parks, Culture and Recreation Department (LPCR) engaged in public outreach to understand community priorities.
These efforts culminated in the 2023-29 LPCR Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the council on Aug. 17, 2023. The plan outlines strategic goals, and identifies a six-year PCIP to address future recreational facility, park improvement and maintenance needs.
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BobJacobs
Formation of a Lacey Metropolitan Parks District would follow in the footsteps of Olympia and Tumwater. It is probably the only way that the city can provide adequate recreational facilities for future generations.
However, Lacey must assure that the additional revenue does not supplant current the parks funding level, rather that it adds a new, permanent layer of funding.
Bob Jacobs
Saturday, December 21, 2024 Report this
ejpoleii
I totally oppose this. All it does is add yet another tax district on top of all the others levied on Lacey homeowners with another "max" tax levy. I helped defeat this before and I'll help again.
Saturday, December 28, 2024 Report this
jimlazar
The challenge in creating a Metropolitan Parks District is to preserve the existing parks funding, so the new funding is ADDITIONAL.
The ballot measure should specify a percentage of general fund revenues that will go to parks on a permanent basis. Olympia committed to 11% as a part of the package creating its Metropolitan Parks District. Lacey needs to make a similar commitment.
Otherwise people think they are voting for more parks funding, but the money can melt away into other activities of City Government.
I'm ready to support a Lacey MPD, as long as it comes with a guarantee that existing parks funding will be available, rising at whatever rate general City revenues go up.
Wednesday, January 1 Report this