REFERRED TO THE PEOPLE BY THE CITY COUNCIL
24-67
THREE YEAR LOCAL OPTION TAX FOR LIBRARY, POOL, PARKS SUPPORTQUESTION:Shall the City of Stayton implement a $236,300 operating tax annually for three years, beginning in Fiscal Year 2002-2003? This measure may cause property taxes to increase more than three percent.
SUMMARY:This measure may be passed only at an election with at least a 50 percent voter turnout.
The City of Stayton is seeking a three-year local option tax of $236,300 per year, beginning in Fiscal Year 2002-2003, to partially fund specific elements of the library, swimming pool and park programs.
A portion of the proposed tax will offset the loss of the previous 3-year library/pool local option tax passed in 1998. An allowance is also made for delinquent and uncollectible taxes. This tax would raise $708,900 over the three year period.
Library support will include reinstating or increasing audio-visual, reference material and book budgets to former levels, replacing obsolete computers, deferred building maintenance and offsetting anticipated loss of regional library reimbursements.
Pool support will include offsetting increased utility costs, reinstating operating hours and, over three years, constructing a new boiler room, chlorination system replacement, refurbishing shower rooms and miscellaneous equipment repairs.
Parks program support will include replacement of playground equipment in Westown, North Slope and Community Center Parks (one each year).
It is estimated that this tax will result in a rate of Seventy Cents ($.70) per $1,000 of assessed value in the first year. The estimated tax cost for this measure is an ESTIMATE ONLY based on the best information available from the county assessor at the time of estimate.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Arguments in Favor
With an off-year election, it is easy not to vote, but please take the time to vote and mail in your ballot. And when you vote, please vote yes for our community.
This issue is about more than money. It is about the quality of life we want to provide for our children, our grandchildren and ourselves.
As our community grows, we demand more services from our government, and frankly taxes do not keep up with the growth of services we demand, leaving us in the position of either less service or poor service. Stayton is fortunate to have had citizens with enough foresight and vision to provide us with an excellent pool, library and parks system. We need to continue to strive to provide excellent programs and facilities to all of our citizens.
By voting yes, we will not only be able to continue existing programs; we will be able to provide more of what the public says it wants.
This is not an extravagant request. It is not a request for money that you cannot track.
The monies will be spent in very specific areas, as noted in the explanatory statement, over a three-year period. You can decide if the money was well spent and if you got what you were promised.
Please call me if you have any questions.
Vote yes for a better community.
Gerry Aboud
Mayor, City of Stayton
769-7505
The Stayton Family Memorial Pool was covered in 1997, thanks to the Marie Madlinger Trust. The Pool is a valuable resource, which meets the needs of health and fitness for Stayton families. The experiences that families have with their children can make a difference in their economic success and emotional stability. The Pool is the key that opens the door for a healthier community.
The Pool is the backbone of many quality and affordable programs, and is managed by the Santiam Family YMCA. Our children learn life saving skills by learning how to swim. The Manta Rays Swim Team members develop strong work ethics, learn teamwork, and leadership abilities through the YMCA, State, District, and Regional competitions. Stayton High School Swim Team has had their team members qualify at State Championships four out of the past five years. These events have also provided them an opportunity to set and achieve personal goals. The sport of swimming has earned recognition and awards for members on both local teams.
Aqua aerobic classes are well attended by residents of all ages. Physical therapy sessions provide individuals with limited mobility an opportunity to maintain movement and can help alleviate pain. Physical activity improves mental and physical health, and is important for ones overall well-being. All of these factors can help reduce the cost of health care for individuals, families, government, and businesses.
The Pool serves everyone, from the very young to the elderly. To maintain these programs it is vital that the Pool remain open year round. This levy will do that by replacing the previous levy, which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, June 2002. Estimated revenues from this levy will be distributed among future cost projections, reinstate hours, and equipment upgrades. These improvements will benefit the patrons of the Pool, as well as the Stayton community at large. Please join me in supporting this levy.
Vote Yes!
Sincerely,
Irene Jackson
Stayton Resident
This letter is in support of the Stayton Public Library.
Currently, we have a three year levy helping to support the library which expires in June 2002. A portion of this levy will be used to replace funds the prior levy had provided. The prior levy provided $56,000 per year for three years. This one will provide approximately $90,000 per year.
In addition, for several years, due to city budget constraints, the library's budget has been reduce on a regular basis, resulting in the cutting back of the library's ability to purchase audio visual materials, reference materials, and new books. Even with the levy we now have, we have been unable to keep current materials on our shelves - children's books, magazines, newspapers, reference materials, large print books - every area has suffered from a lack of funds. The Friends of the Library have done what they can to help. Our library must be able to meet the needs of its patrons. The new levy will help us do just that.
Another area we've been unable to keep current is our computers. We have many people who come into the library to use our computers; students and adults alike. We need to replace and upgrade our outdated computers. The public library fills a vital need, and we want to be sure we are capable of doing just that. The new levy is the answer.
Another area put on hold is building maintenance. Buildings can be "on hold" only so long; then they begin to groan. We have a lovely building and have tried to take good care of it. It was built in 1989. It's now 2001. We've waited on some things...we can't wait any longer...The new levy is the way to get it done.
The new levy will also offset anticipated reductions in regional library reimbursements.
Please vote "yes" for your library and the City of Stayton!
Sincerely, Susan M. Brandt
Stayton's wonderful park system has been a great asset to our neighborhoods for decades. The landscaped green spaces, walking paths, picnic and play areas in our parks are designed to enhance the livability of adults and children alike. Unfortunately much of the play equipment, provided by State grants and the generosity of the preceeding generation, has reached the end of its life span.
The deterioration of playground equipment has reached the point that much of it had to be removed from both Northslope, and Westown Parks. The remaining equipment in those parks is only marginally safe and useful. The small play structure at the Community Center Park has only a couple of seasons left in it and will not only need to be replaced, but also expanded, to adequately meet the needs of Stayton's central park.
The Stayton Local Option Tax provides a unique opportunity for voters. The proposed levy specifically earmarks $28,200 per year to replace playground equipment. Now is the time for citizens to renew their commitment to neighborhood parks.
Please, "PITCH IN FOR PARKS!" Your three year commitment to the Stayton Local Option Tax will provide a 20 year benefit to the livability of our neighborhoods.Join our effort to keep Stayton livable by supporting the Library, Pool and Parks.
| Arthur and LaVeta Christiansen | Don and Henrietta Nielson |
| John and Kathy Kaczynski | John and Susan Brandt |
| David Kinney | Richard Vohs |
| Michael Jaeger | Steve and Catherine Cromer |
| Vikki and Eric Pointer | William and Terri Smith |
| Kenneth Horn DMD | Scott and Patricia West |
| Amy Hatten | David and Maryann Nielson |
| Mike and Susan Horvat | Julie Louden |
| Richard Morley | Michael Meiners DVM |
| John Crook | Gerry Aboud |
No arguments opposed to this measure were filed.
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