Copy of 2018 Park and Trail Referendum
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2018 Park and Rec Referendum
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Overview
Why
- As an active and growing community, the Rogers City Council, Park Board and City staff routinely hear from individuals and associations regarding their desire for expanded/new parks, trails and recreational facilities.
- In order to determine community opinions beyond those of vocal minorities/interest groups, the City undertook a professionally conducted, random-sample survey of residents (the “community survey”) in order to better gauge the true level of desire, willingness to pay and the specific types of facilities most and least desired by our residents.
Results
Survey Results
Sixty percent of likely voters would support a ¼% increase in the local sales tax for up to twenty years to fund construction.
Funding for Preferred Projects
The leading list of projects for which respondents are most willing to raise a sales tax for are:
1. Trail and Pedestrian Crossings
2. Aquatic Facilities
3. Community Athletic Facilities
Preferred Funding Method
Funded Projects
Funded Projects
1. Trail and Pedestrian Crossings
2. Aquatic Facilities
3. Community Athletic Facilities
"Note that the project list is subject to change in the event that revenues are less than projected, if project costs exceed estimates, or if other agency funding sources (County, State grand funds, other) are not realized."
Trail and Pedestrian Crossings
Trails
Connecting Trails:
Connecting Trails
- Territorial View Connection
- Henry's Woods Trailhead
- Hassan Hills Neighborhood Trail
- Edgewater Looping Trail
- offroad Sunnyside Estates-S. Diamond Lake Rd. to 137th Ave
- Fox Creek West Connection to Pedestrian Overpass to Lynch Park
Pedestrian Crossings
- I-94 Pedestrian Bridge
- County Road 144 Tunnel Crossing from High School to Middle School
Pedestrian Crossings
Aquatics
Aquatic Facilities
- Community Portion of School Pool
- Splash Pad
Community Facilities
Community Athletic Facilities
- Multi-purpose Indoor Turf Facility
- South Community Park
- Site Improvements for Future Recreation Facilities
Facilities
- Indoor Turf field for multi-purpose use.
- Site Improvements for Future Recreation Facilities- site prep, storm water, and parking
- Parks: Additional fields and amenities at Triangle Park such as a splash pad and South Community Park such as a potential fitness course.
Facilities
Sales tax
Bonding Authority
Cities have very limited authority to bond/borrow for park and recreation capital improvements without approval by the voters through a general election referendum. With regard to implementation of a local option sales tax, state statute authorizes cities to enact such a tax only upon affirmative approval by the voters at a general election, with subsequent approval also required by the State Legislature.
Ballot Question
Potential City Ballot
-Issue General Obligation Bonds. Impose a 1/4% sales tax increase and a motor vehicle excise tax of $20 as the primary repayment method of the bonds.
Note
By state statute the following language must be included in a sales tax referendum question: “By voting ‘Yes’ on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase.” However, if approved, the City’s intent would be to repay debt using sales tax or other non-property tax revenues. If such revenues are insufficient, only then would property tax revenue be used for repayment.
What cities have Parks and Recreation Local Option Sales Tax?
Community Examples
Mankato
0.5% sales tax to fund the operations of the Riverfront project
Mankato
St Paul
0.5% sales tax to fund the costs of the civic center including the hockey arena.
St Paul
Proctor
0.5% sales tax used to fund bikeways, trails, sidewalks, and a community center.
Proctor
New Ulm
0.5% sales tax to fund the costs of the civic/community center
New Ulm
Central Cities
(includes St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, St. Augusta, St. Joseph, and Waite Park)
0.5% sales tax to fund improvements of Waite Park and the St. Cloud airport.
Central Cities
Bemidji
0.5% sales tax to fund park and trail improvements.
Bemidji
Worthington
0.5% sales tax for the construction of a community center and renovations to the Memorial Auditorium
Worthington
Brainerd
0.5% sales tax to fund trail improvements.
Brainerd
Clearwater
0.5% sales tax to fund the acquisition, construction, amd improvement of a pedestrian bridge and land and buildings for a community recreation center.
Clearwater
Cook County
1.0% sales tax to fund the construction and improvements of the community center and recreation area including: a skateboard park, hockey rink, ball fields, tennis courts, and public library.
Fergus Falls
0.5% sales tax to fund costs for a community ice arena facility
Fergus Falls
Cloquet
0.5% sales tax to fund park and specific infrastructure improvements.
Cloquet
Marshall
0.5% sales tax to fund an amateur sports center
Marshall
Owatonna
0.5% sales tax to fund regional parks and trails.
Owatonna
Willmar
0.5% sales tax to fund parks and trails and civic center improvements.
Willmar
Fairmont
0.5% local sales and use tax to fund recreational facilities and trails
Fairmont
Moose Lake
0.5% local sales and use tax to fund the parks system, streets, and infrastructure improvements
Moose Lake
New London
0.5% local sales and use tax to fund a library and community room
New London
Questions
For more information please visit:
www.park-referendum.rogersmn.gov