City puts center, pool on fall ballot Snoqualmie voters to weigh in on $10 million bond

The Snoqualmie City Council unanimously voted Monday, Aug. 11, to send a $10 million bond for a new community center, including a pool, before voters this fall.

Council members said the decision to move forward to the November election reflects concerns about timing, voter turnout and buying power. The city is lining up a partnership for maintenance and operations through the YMCA.

“I think the timing is imperative,” said Councilman Jeff MacNichols. “It’s the right partner, the right price.”

Two previous community center tax issues failed at the polls in 2002 and 2006.

The center would cost roughly 30 cents per $1,000 in property value. City Administrator Bob Larson said there will not be any follow-up maintenance and operations levies.

Instead, the city will create an agreement with the YMCA to maintain and operate the facility. To ensure there is no cost overrun to the Y, the city will pledge $100,000, to come from mitigation funds from the Snoqualmie Tribe’s casino, to help support the center in its first years of operation.

Some residents at the Monday evening meeting opposed the move.

“Please put your influence behind the next school bond and show some restraint by not asking the citizens of this community to vote for fun before education,” said Snoqualmie resident Barbara Joyce.

MacNichols said that the council is not approving the center, but giving the citizens the ability to have their say.

“I want to give them the choice,” MacNichols said. “I’ll leave it in their hands.”

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.