MEASURE NO. 24-62 City of Woodburn Ballot Title: Referred to the People by the City Council Parks And Community Facilities General Obligation Bond Authorization Question: Shall the City be authorized to contract a general obligation bonded indebtedness in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000? If the bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution. Summary: A “yes” vote on this measure is a vote to increase taxes. This measure authorizes issuance of general obligation bonds of not to exceed $5,000,000, to acquire property; construct, equip and furnish a City community center; construct and renovate City park and recreational facilities; construct parking and related improvements; and pay all costs.The total cost is estimated to be $7,000,000. The City plans to apply for federal and state loans and grants and use other City revenues to pay the balance of the cost. Bonds would mature over a period of not to exceed 20 years. The total projected estimated cost of the bonds, principal and interest, at an average annual estimated interest rate of 5.75%, would be $8,955,846. The revenue (the estimated average annual tax levy assuming level tax rate), is estimated to be $471,360 annually. The estimated average property tax rate, based on the foregoing assumptions, would be $0.46 per $1000 of assessed value. Explanatory Statement: In November of 1999, the City of Woodburn adopted the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan Update. This Update recommends extensive renovations to Woodburn’s parks and replacement of the Woodburn Community Center. In response to the Update’s conclusions, the Woodburn Recreation and Parks Board conducted a seven-month community engagement project. To complete this project, the Board held public and Town Hall meetings, convened a focus group and surveyed the community to shape a vision for improving city parks and developing a new community center. Based upon this vision, the City Council adopted a strategy to fund a new community center and park improvements. This strategy proposes funding through this $5 million bond and $2 million from various other sources including grants, sale of city property and Systems Development Charges. Below is a summary of the projects this strategy will complete. COMMUNITY CENTER The Woodburn Community Center is 48 years old. The Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan Update cites that the building is marginal in size to support current recreation programs and lacks adequate parking. The building is not accessible to disabled people. About 25% of the building’s floor space is on a second floor with no elevator. This bond seeks to develop funds to replace this aging facility. The new building will accommodate current Community Center activities including the RSVP and senior nutrition programs. It will also host adult and youth recreation programs, rentals, special events and conferences. The new building will be located at either Centennial Park or at the Community Garden grounds on Park Avenue near Legion Park. It will include: • 300-350 Seat Performing Arts Theater • 250 seat Banquet Room w/Kitchen • 7,200 sq. ft. Exhibit/Recreation Pavilion • 2,500 sq. ft. Activity Room • 1,250 sq. ft. Teen Center PARK IMPROVEMENTS The Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan Update inventoried the physical condition of Woodburn’s parks and concluded that the facilities outlined below are below standard or should be upgraded or replaced. Funds for renovation are limited since the City’s Systems Development Charges can only be used to expand capacity. General Fund resources for renovation are limited because these monies are used for maintenance and operation. This bond seeks to develop funds to renovate City parks. • Burlingham 1,500 sq. ft. Activity Center Irrigation Drainage Playground Park Amenities Security Lighting Paths • Centennial Athletic Field Lighting • Heritage Disabled Access Path • Legion Irrigation Drainage Park Amenities Security Lighting Playground Paths • Skate Park Site to be determined • Nelson Irrigation Drainage Playground Park Amenities Security Lighting Paths • Senior Estates Irrigation Park Amenities Security Lighting Paths • Settlemier Irrigation Drainage Park Amenities Security Lighting Parking Paths The estimated cost of the proposed bond measure is 46¢ per $1,000 of assessed property value. This means that if voters approve the proposed measure, owners of property assessed at $100,000 will pay about $3.83 a month for 20 years and property assessed at $150,000 will pay about $5.75 a month for 20 years to finance improvements these bonds will fund. Submitted by: John C. Brown, City Administrator City of Woodburn   No arguments opposed to this measure were filed. Back to the November 7, 2000 Voter Pamphlet Main Page