Ballot Measure 24-80 would fund the anticipated operation and maintenance costs of these new or improved park and recreation facilities without reducing maintenance on existing park facilities. Adequate maintenance funding for all facilities extends the life of capital improvements and reduces public safety risks. Cost estimates to operate and maintain the new or improved park and recreation facilities anticipate the continued use of volunteers and supplemental, low cost labor resources, which have allowed adequate park maintenance service levels.

Additionally, the measure would allow for funds to be used to operate and maintain a new aquatic facility, should one be built. A decision on the possible construction of an aquatic facility will come after the November 2002 election. If a decision is made not to pursue the development of an aquatic facility, funds generated from the levy would be used to pay for operation and maintenance of new or improved park facilities acquired, improved or developed for a longer period of time. Under this scenario, it is estimated that funds from the five-year levy could provide adequate maintenance funding for an additional three years, through fiscal year 2010-2011.

This five-year local option levy would start on July 1, 2003 and is computed at a rate of $.14 per $1000 of assessed valuation. The requested rate will raise approximately $700,000 in FY 2003-2004, $735,000 in FY2004-2005, $770,000 in FY 2005-2006, $810,000 in FY 2006-2007 and $850,000 in FY 2007-2008. The estimated tax increase for the owner of an average Salem residence with an assessed value of $150,000 is $21 per year, or less than $2 per month. The estimated tax cost for this measure is an ESTIMATE ONLY based on the best information available from the county assessors at the time of estimate.

A separate Parks General Obligation (GO) Bond Measure 24-79 is on the November 2002 ballot to finance new park and recreation facilities. Both measures if approved, would increase the estimated tax on a property with an assessed value of $150,000 by a total of less than $60 per year or $5 per month.

If the Park GO Bond Measure fails to receive voter approval in November 2002, the City agrees to levy no taxes from this measure.

Submitted by,

Salem City Council