SNOHOMISH — The city is considering asking voters to approve a metropolitan parks taxing district.
The City Council is to meet at 6 p.m. on March 17 to discuss putting the property-tax-funded measure on the Aug. 4 primary election ballot. The workshop is to take place at the Snohomish School District administration office, 1601 Ave. D.
If voters approve a taxing district, the amount of the tax would be determined by the City Council. City Manager Larry Bauman suggested that property owners in Snohomish might see a 25 cent to 75 cent increase in taxes per $1,000 of assessed value.
Across Washington, 18 other taxing districts have been created to pay for parks in cities and unincorporated parts of counties, including in Tacoma, Seattle and Tukwila.
City Manager Larry Bauman said people living in Snohomish, in a 2014 survey, ranked better maintenance and improvements in existing city parks among their top priorities.
The city spends about $710,000 a year on parks. Bauman estimates that a property tax increase of 75 cents per $1,000 of assessed value would generate $750,000 annually for the parks district, if it were approved.
“Our parks budget is probably the most vulnerable,” Bauman said.
During the recession, he said, the parks budget was considered for cuts. The city considered closing Ferguson, Pilchuck and Hill parks.
When the city decided to contract with Snohomish County for police service, parks were spared, Bauman said. But the city reduced park maintenance and changed the way it paid for those services.
A staff report with more information on the proposed Metropolitan Parks District will be available on the city website Friday.
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.
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