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Feb. 11, 2003
Parks Task Force recommends a modest levy to support regional parks
The Metropolitan Parks Task Force today issued its unanimous recommendation that King County place on the May 2003 ballot a 5.5-cent, six-year operating levy to keep regional parks open and improve maintenance.
"King County has put in place a tremendous number of new business practices and efficiencies following the recommendations we made in June of last year," said Task Force Co-Chair Gene Duvernoy. "The County has transferred local, in-city parks and pools saving millions of dollars, and these facilities remain open under new ownership or operating agreements. Entrepreneurial ventures like the summer concert series at Marymoor Park, which could generate as much as $300,000 annually, have been pursued. Staff has been reduced by 35 percent. User fees have been increased to reflect the cost of providing service."
"But, no one expected the park system to pay for itself, and the County's revenue challenges are still severe," Duvernoy continued. "Our regional parks are integral to our quality of life and we believe the public would be willing to invest a small amount to protect the legacy that they represent."
"We believe this levy is a judicious and conservative solution to a difficult fiscal situation," added Task Force Co-Chair Bob Wallace. "We didn't set out to see how we can embellish our parks or get more park land. We set out to take care of what we have. If we don't pass this modest levy, a lot of County parks will close. I don't think that's in anyone's best interest, and I don't think that's what the public wants."
The citizen Task Force was created last year, and issued a series of recommendations to King County Executive Ron Sims, who implemented many of these improvements. In its June 2002 report, the MPTF recognized that despite aggressive transfers and innovative ways of doing business, new revenue sources in support of parks would still be required. The Task Force concluded a new revenue stream would be needed to preserve and stabilize parks in 2004 and beyond.
The Task Force re-convened in January of this year to make additional recommendations to the County Executive regarding future parks funding in 2004 and beyond.
After reviewing the options available -- a Metropolitan Parks District, selling parks to generate revenue, or closing major portions of the park system - the Task Force recommended the six-year, 5.5 cent levy dedicated to providing maintenance for regional and rural parks. The recommended levy would provide funds to continue to maintain and operate regional park facilities -- such as Marymoor Park, Cougar Mountain Park, the regional trail system, and the King County Aquatics Center. Also included are rural parks. County parks in urban unincorporated areas would not be supported with levy funds, rather, existing county resources will be applied to support these parks.
"King County has urban areas and rural areas," explained Duvernoy; "the Growth Management Act, as implemented by agreement between the Cities and the County calls for all parts of King County to help maintain the rural areas through a regional effort. It also says that the County's priority should be on regional activities. We have targeted this levy proposal to specifically address this important regional County role."
A 5.5 cent property tax levy would cost the owner of a $250,000 home $13.75 a year. The proposed levy would expire after six years.
Feedback from the public was also considered during deliberations. A poll and focus groups showed strong support for a modest levy that was considered by respondents to be specific and affordable.
"All of us benefit from the large open spaces that buffer our cities," said Wallace. "These are assets of regional benefit, and it is appropriate to ask the voters whether they are willing to pay less than $14 a year to maintain over 25,000 acres of park land. It's a small investment for each of us to make that contributes tremendously to our quality of life and to our property values."
"The regional parks belong to all of us," said Duvernoy. "They are a tremendous public legacy that we need to act to preserve."
The Task Force recommendations will be taken into consideration by King County Executive Ron Sims as he decides whether to propose a levy or another alternative to the County Council.
Contacts: Co-Chair Gene Duvernoy (206) 292-5907 Co-Chair Bob Wallace (425) 455-9976 Related information:
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