Si View Metro Park District has a proposition on your voting ballot again this year, seeking renewal of part of its levy for next year. Since real estate values are still low, the state’s complicated tax formula has once again kicked in, and we need voter approval to keep operating at current levels. This is not a tax increase but a renewal of the current levy.
Why should you vote yes? Because Si View Community Center is busier than ever, supporting Valley residents and families. Day camps in summer keep kids busy, healthy and happy. Exercise and dance programs help keep the winter blues at bay, and the Indoor Playground provides a place for little ones to be active during rainy months. The Upper Valley’s only farmers’ market is home-town living at its best. Youth sports and rec programs, both at Si View and at our partner SV School District gyms, provide a chance for kids to develop skills and become part of a team. Swim lessons and open swim times in the valley’s only public pool are not just fun, but for safety in our abundant river valley. The Community Center is rented out for family parties, reunions, and club events, and for social and community service groups. People need to gather at our Community Center more than ever now, during this difficult economic time.
I am very proud that our program-earned revenues are rising every year, and the district is recognized for its good fiscal management. But our beautiful, historic facility has size and other limitations that require some funding to stay open. Our aging pool requires constant maintenance and care to stay in service.
This year’s capital improvements at Si View were approved by voters, and our Community Center is beginning to shine again. The roof no longer leaks, and much of building is finally insulated. But capital bond funds can’t be used to operate and maintain the buildings or run programs. I encourage you to maintain our Community Center and Park District programming by voting “yes” on Proposition 1.
Linda Hamm Grez,
Commissioner, North Bend
