ECPRD November 2019 Bond Measure
Results
Thank you voters in the City of Monroe for voting in favor of Proposition 1 during the November election. Unfortunately, the Washington Constitution requires a 60% majority vote to authorize bonds and tax levies requiring voter approval and while the measure passed in the City of Monroe, it did not pass in the rest of the East County Parks and Recreation District. Moving forward, the Monroe City Council may consider a new ballot measure to fund just Monroe Parks.
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East County Park and Recreation District is a local junior taxing district of Snohomish County separate from the City of Monroe and Snohomish County. The District was formed in 1970 and is managed by a five member board of commissioners elected by residents within the District. District boundaries are roughly the same as those of the Monroe School District including the communities of Monroe, Maltby, and Echo Lake. Typically, park districts fit a niche between City and County park systems, helping to expand opportunities available to the public.
The East County Park and Recreation District will be proposing a $26.5 million capital bond measure on the November 2019 ballot. East County Park and Recreation District is committed to serving the citizens of its entire area, which includes the City of Monroe and portions of Snohomish County. The District’s last bond measure which was paid off in 2008 was used to build Maltby Park and develop Sky River Park in Monroe. The District is asking for approval of a new capital bond measure in order to greatly enhance and expand recreational opportunities throughout the entire district. The ECPRD, City of Monroe, and Snohomish County are partnering on this bond. Having a multi-jurisdictional cooperative approach increases efficiencies in providing services and will eliminate duplication of effort.
How were projects selected? The East County Parks and Recreation District, the City of Monroe, and Snohomish County Parks each nominated three representatives to serve on a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) who represented residents, businesses, and user groups for our area parks including the Sky Valley Soccer Association, Fair Grounds Foundation, etc. The East County Parks District, City of Monroe, and Snohomish County presented suggested parks projects for the CAC’s consideration. The CAC reviewed the projects for appropriateness, cost estimates, amount of public input to date, and benefit to the district’s taxpayers, and recommended a list of projects to fund with the requested bonds.
View an informational video here.
ECPRD PROJECT PROPOSAL:
Maltby Park Improvements: Planning, design and construction to:
- Replace field grass with all-weather turf on north fields and updating all fields for multi-sport use.
- Replacing the grass and irrigation system on the south field.
- Additional drainage upgrades to support turf improvements.
- Replacing 20 year-old bathrooms to increase sanitation and water conservation.
- Replacing the walking path and installing lighting for increased visibility.
- Replacing parking lot surface and improving drainage swale.
- In conjunction with path completion, reclaim wetlands adjacent to park.
- Replace picnic shelter and upgrade sport court surface
The comprehensive planning and design of Maltby Park would potentially be scheduled from 2020 and 2023 as part of the first bond issue of $15.150 million and is estimated to cost $1,350,000. The construction is potentially scheduled between 2022 and 2025 with the second bond issue of $11.35 million and is estimated to cost $7,100,000 with a total bond ask of $8,450,000.
CITY OF MONROE PROJECT PROPOSALS:
Park Improvements: Replace and upgrade playground equipment at eight City parks: Blueberry Children’s Park, Cedar Grove, Currie View, Hillcrest, Park Meadows Park, Stanton Meadows, Wales Street, Rainier View - utilizing features and materials similar to recent upgrades to Lake Tye, Sky River & Lewis Street Parks.
North Hill Area Park acquisition, design & development: Acquisition of a new neighborhood park located in the growing North Hill Area estimated at $1,300,000 would be scheduled from 2020 and 2023 as part of the first bond issue of $15.150 million. The design and construction which is estimated to be $1,750,000 would be scheduled between 2022 and 2025 with the second bond issue of $11.35 million.
Extend Chain Lake Road Trail between Rainier View Park and Brown Road: Extend Chain Lake Trail to connect new residential developments in north area of City to North Kelsey. The construction is potentially scheduled between 2022 and 2025 with the second bond issue of $11.35 million and the bond ask is estimated to be $2,500,000.
Lake Tye Park Athletic Fields Renovation: Convert un-lighted, poor-draining grass fields to all-weather, lighted, synthetic turf, multi-purpose athletic fields to allow year-round play for baseball, football, lacrosse and soccer and also improve the use experience.
This project is potentially scheduled for the first bond issue which would allow it to be constructed between 2020 and 2023.
Total Project Cost | $4,200,000 |
Appropriation (state) | $800,000 (Awarded) |
County Capital fund | $150,000 (Awarded) |
State Grant (RCO YAF) | $350,000 (Commitment) |
Donation Budget (SVLL) | $5,000 (C0mmitment) |
Capital Budget (City) | $895,000 (Budgeted) |
Remaining Amount Needed | $2,000,000 |
Bond Ask | $2,000,000 |
SNOHOMISH COUNTY PROJECT PROPOSAL:
Evergreen State Fairgrounds: The Fairgrounds is a 192 acre Snohomish County Park. It is open free to the public 353 days a year, 98.8% of the time. More than 735,000 people visit the Fair Park each year. The Evergreen Speedway, Evergreen Equestrian Park, Gary Weikel Events Center and multiple other buildings host more than 700 events and meetings each year, many at no cost to the public. Thousands of youth and adults enjoy free or low cost programs at the Fair Park each year. It is the largest public multi-use event site in the County and generates more than $48 million annually in positive economic impact for the region. Events at the Fairgrounds help our local businesses by bringing visitors to the City of Monroe and surrounding communities. The proposed improvements will help drive further economic development.
The Fairgrounds improvement would include: A free spray pad/splash park open to the public. Frontage improvements/perimeter trail paralleling Hwy 2, and a 34,000 square foot building/community center. This project is potentially scheduled for the first bond issue of $15.150 million which would allow construction between 2020 and 2023. The projected total bond ask is $9,000,000.
FAQ’s
Why are we asking for a capital bond measure?
East County Park and Recreation District is committed to serving the citizens of its entire area, which includes the City of Monroe and portions of Snohomish County. The District is proposing a $26.5 million capital bond measure on the November 2019 ballot in order to greatly enhance and expand recreational opportunities throughout the entire district. The District’s last bond measure was paid off in 2008. The money was used to build Maltby Park and develop Sky River Park in Monroe.
What projects will be paid for with this bond? How are funds allocated?
The following projects are potentially scheduled for the first bond issue of $15.150 million which would allow them to be constructed between 2020 and 2023:
Maltby Park comprehensive planning and design | $1,350,000 |
Lake Tye athletic fields renovation | $2,000,000 |
Neighborhood parks playground equipment replacement | $1,500,000 |
North Hill (Monroe) Park acquisition and development | $1,300,000 |
Fairgrounds improvement | $900,000 |
Total Amount | $15,150,000 |
The following projects are potentially scheduled for the second bond issue of $11.35 million which would allow them to be constructed between 2022 and 2025:
Maltby Park Construction | $7,100,000 |
North Hill (Monroe) Park Construction | $1,750,000 |
Chain Lake Trail Development | $2,500,000 |
Total | $11,350,000 |
What does the taxpayer gain? The taxpayers would gain improved park access and updated facilities and equipment, meeting all current play and safety standards.
What is the estimated cost to the taxpayer? Bonds are currently anticipated to be sold in two separate increments: the first would be around $15.150 million in 2020 and the second would be around $11.35 million in 2022. In this scenario, taxes would begin to be collected in 2021. First year cost estimates are $0.16 per $1,000 of assessed value. For a home worth $500,000, this would be approximately $6.66/month or $80.00/year.
The estimated tax rate would increase to $0.26 in 2023 (after the sale of the remaining bonds to complete all the identified projects), after which the rate would steadily decrease each year thereafter. For a $500,000 home in 2023, the tax amount would be $10.83/month or $130/year. In the final year of tax collection, the rate is estimated at approximately $0.09, or $3.75/month ($45/year) for a $500,000 home.
Year | Bond Amount | Cost To Taxpayer |
2020 | $15.15 million | $6.66/month |
2023 | $11.35 million | $10.83/month |
The total amount needed is $26.5 million
All numbers are estimates based on conservative assumptions regarding the district’s overall assessed values. Actuals would change depending on the exact timing of the bond sales and what the district’s overall assessed values are each year. If the assessed values (and new construction added to the assessed values) come in higher than projected.
The estimated impacts to an individual home would be equal to or less than illustrated.
How were the projects chosen?
The East County Parks and Recreation District, the City of Monroe, and Snohomish County Parks each nominated three representatives to serve on a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) who represented residents, businesses, and user groups for our area parks including the Sky Valley Soccer Association, Fair Grounds Foundation, etc. The East County Parks District, City of Monroe, and Snohomish County presented suggested parks projects for the CAC’s consideration. The CAC reviewed the projects for appropriateness, cost estimates, amount of public input to date, and benefit to the district’s taxpayers, and recommended a list of projects to fund with the requested bonds.
Why is the fairgrounds included? I can’t use it without paying an entry fee.
The Fairgrounds is a 192 acre Snohomish County Park. It is open free to the public 353 days a year, 98.8% of the time. More than 735,000 people visit the Fair Park each year. There is a general entry fee during the Annual 12 day Evergreen State Fair. The Evergreen Speedway, Evergreen Equestrian Park, Gary Weikel Events Center and multiple other buildings host more than 700 events and meetings each year, many at no cost to the public. Thousands of youth and adults enjoy free or low cost programs at the Fair Park each year. It is the largest public multi-use event site in the County and generates more than $48 million annually in positive economic impact for the region. Events at the Fairgrounds help our local businesses by bringing visitors to the City of Monroe and surrounding communities. The proposed improvements will help drive further economic development.
Why can’t these projects be completed without a bond?
As a governmental entity, the acquisition of property and capital improvement to existing facilities is done through the bond process. Some of the money raised by the bond will be used to leverage grant funding from the state to complete proposed projects. Without a voter approved bond measure some projects such as the Maltby Park improvements may not be completed. Other projects may take longer to raise the necessary money to complete the improvements.
I’m a senior on a fixed income. Will this cost me the same amount?
Per state law, exemptions to this bond measure, if approved, may apply to homeowners that are age 61 years or older, the disabled, and those who meet certain income requirements. For your specific situation and for more information, contact the Snohomish County Assessor at 425-388-3540 or on-line at www.snohomishcountywa.gov/328/Property-Tax-Exemptions.
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