Si View Parks’ Prop. 1 preserves vital community services

Last fall, I had the duty and the pleasure to witness Si View Metro Park District’s election night thrills.

Gathered around a table at Boxley’s, Si View commissioners, the director and a number of instructors and families, watched as the early results came in. Smiles broke out when they realized that the result was a landslide of support in favor of the two propositions guaranteeing them their tax levy support.

One year later, we’re at that point again. Despite last year’s big victory, another decision is upon us. Si View’s operations and maintenance levy, a 27-cent measure that preserves district funding.The sense of urgency is the same, and nothing can be taken for granted.

The reason Si View had to go to voters for funding support that it used to count on as a given is a little complicated. It has to do with the fact that property values fell during the recession. When property values fall, taxing districts can’t tax as much. Some districts take priority. And parks districts like Si View are in the back of the line. So since Si View couldn’t collect its property tax levy in the county portion of the district, it couldn’t collect any in the entire district. Without voter support, the district loses its levy. Si View needs your vote to keep the bulk of its levy funding, about 39 percent of its overall revenues. And it needs strong support again this year: Passage requires a 60 percent ‘supermajority’ vote.

If you believe that Si View’s mission to enrich the lives of all people in the North Bend and Fall City areas needs to continue, you need to vote “yes” on Prop. 1

 

Contact Snoqualmie Valley Record Editor Seth Truscott at editor@valleyrecord.com or 1-425-888-2311.

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.