UPlace needs metro park district for quality of life
On the April 26 ballot, University Place residents will make their most important decision in more than 20 years: to form the University Place Metropolitan Park District.
Why is this decision so important? Simply, because the City of University Place does not have enough funding (taxes, fees and other revenue) to continue to support recreation and senior programs.
Last October, the City Council passed Resolution No. 794 officially eliminating all recreation services beginning in January 2017. No kids' programs like Camp UPlay, soccer camps, youth sports leagues and annual daddy-daughter dances. No programs at the Senior Center. No group trips and tours. No teenager and adult sports programs.
For years, the city has prioritized the rising cost of critical public services above all other city services. This nonstop battle has led to the loss of one service after another. The next to be eliminated are recreation and senior programs.
Yes, this a new taxing district. Tax-conscious voters across Washington have frequently stated they want a voice and a choice in new taxes. This election is about the voters choosing to commit tax dollars to ensure fiscal responsibility; accountability; and oversight to recreation, senior and park services for all ages in our community.
The University Place Metropolitan Park District is about embracing local control, local choices, local services, local taxes for the future recreation and senior services in our community. This is the decision facing the voters of University Place; it is not an ideological debate about taxes.
As a junior taxing district, University Place Metropolitan Park District can levy a maximum rate of 75 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. This means a maximum of approximately $187 annually on a $250,000 house.
Today, the city spends all of its property tax revenue on public safety services. All other services complete for bits and pieces of sales tax and other revenues. Without the Metropolitan Parks District, nothing will be spent on our recreation and parks programs.
The loss of recreation programs for all ages and of senior services will have a dramatic effect on the quality of life for all residents in University Place and will impact our local businesses as well. University Place has a justified reputation for the quality of its school district, its fire and emergency medical services, its local library and, since incorporation, its parks and recreation services. This reputation promotes desirability in the real estate world, which promotes solid property values and marketability.
Families move into University Place because these very qualities have always marked our community. These families want and need quality recreation and park services. While there are plenty of other reasons, these warrant support for the University Place Metropolitan Park District.
Jim Baldes and Rebecca Vader are among the founders of Save University Place Parks and Recreation and serve on the Vote Yes! Campaign Committee.
This story was originally published February 26, 2016 at 8:00 AM with the headline "UPlace needs metro park district for quality of life."