Washblog

Called them again today because I still have questions. Haven't heard back from them, found some answers on my own (again), not that it was particularly easy.

Commissioners are elected (not appointed). Hey, I didn't know that. ;-)

The capital levy isn't going to expire any time soon.

I found the Voter's Guide from the 2005 election which passed the capital levy, and I also found this which was produced back in 2006 but which they haven't apparently seen fit to update:

http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/file_viewer.php?id=3894

The link to it is on this page:

http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=29

and it is a long-range forecast produced in 2006. The permanent levy lid was discussed then.

Property tax makes up most of their revenue, and it has grown in all but 3 years since 1985. 2006 revenue growth was 2.88%, and they projected a 2.6% growth every year going forward... and that is with the actual millage rate continuing to decrease.

Fees, sales, dues are projected to remain stable.

Cost centers are mostly (other exceptions insurance and utilities) expected to increase in proportion to revenue growth with the exception of    salaries/benefits, expected to grow between 5 and 6% per year. The last page has an expenditures summary, you can just jump there.

Am unable to review their current budget documents to see how well the projections have held up, as they haven't seen fit to publish them in a backward-compatible PDF version (I would recommend 1.4).

As for the ballot language from the 2005 measure, the Explanatory Statement says: "Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma is asking voters to decide whether to approve a bond measure for neighborhood parks, recreational facility improvements and needed safety upgrades. If approved, approximately $56.6 million will fund improvements to 68 neighborhood parks, children's play eqipment, play and athletic fields, family community centers, restrooms, and pools. Approximately $13 will fund Pt. Defiance Park and Ruston Way improvements, including children's playgrounds, picnic areas and restrooms; and renovation of historic facilities including Ft. Nisqually, the Pagoda and Lodge. Approximately $7.2 million will protect and improve lakes, clreeks and natural areas; add more walking and bicycling trails and plant trees. Approximately $7.5 million is provided to refinance bonds issues in 1996 and 2002. If approved, no more than $84.3 million of bonds will be issued and theannual property tax rate is not expected to exceed $0.20 per $1,000 value [presently $0.27 on those of us who pay it -- FWM] during the 20-year life of the bonds. Property taxes for a home valued at $181,000 are expected to increase by approximately $35 per year. The annual property taxes necessary to pay the bonds will depend upon interest rates, the timing and amount of bonds issued, and property assessed valuation changes.", and the Statement For includes: "...Yes- It's Time, Urgent Needs Now. It's been nearly 20 years since Tacoma passed a parks measure. The TNT says 'Tacoma parks need help.' There's a 'massive backlog' of needed safety improvements and upgrades...".

In light of all of this, and the appearance that they're not prepared to answer questions I'm becoming less and less convinced about it. This morning, I was figuring I would spend the stamp to return my ballot... unmarked. Now I'm starting to feel inclined to vote no.