MEASURE NO. 24-103 City of Woodburn Argument in Favor: In 1977, the City opened the Woodburn Community Center. Since that time, the Citys population has tripled. Because of accessibility regulations, the usable size of the Woodburn Community Center has been reduces from 9,500 square feet to 6,500. Originally constructed in 1952 as a church, the buildings water, electrical and heating system are out of date and demand extensive repairs. The Community Center Planning Committee has developed a plan to replace this aging building. The plan this Committee has developed looks into the future and builds upon partnerships to maximize public resources necessary construct and maintain a community to serve all of Woodburn. Among the partners who will benefit and help operate this new resource for our community are: Mid-Willamette Valley Senior Services Agency (Meals on Wheels) Chemeketa Community College Woodburn School District Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Boys Scouts Girl Scouts American Legion Woodburn Area Association of Senior Programs City of Woodburn, Recreation and Parks Department In devising a funding program to construct this building, the City Council has selected a multiple tiered approach that does not rely entirely on support from new taxes. The funding program for this building includes: Sale of surplus City property $ 500,000 Grants, public & private 300,000 Local fund raising and private giving 20,000 General obligation bond Amount paid Systems $1,564,200 Development Charges Amount paid through 3,510,800 ad valorem taxes Total General Obligation Bond $5,075,000 Total Project Budget $5,895,000 The cost to local residents is affordable. Of the nearly $5.9 million needed to complete this project, the City is asking the voters to fund only $3.5million or less than 60% of the required budget from an increased tax. This amounts to 26’ per $1,000 in assessed valuation or $39 per year for a home valued at $150,000. Other funds are coming from the sale of surplus city property, grants and giving, and fees developers pay when new residential development occurs.
(This information provided by Anthony L. Veliz |