This proposition creates a new Park District controlled by Kirkland city councilmembers and governed by state law. It gives the councilmembers a blank check for any parks-related money they choose without voter approval.
If this passes, they can set the yearly tax rate up to $375 for a $500,000 home. Their suggested levy rate would add $125 in annual property taxes for a $500,000 home – almost double the 2012 voter-approved Parks Levy.
They can increase the tax anytime without voter approval and voters cannot terminate the Park District.
After Kirkland’s vote, if this passes, the councilmembers will decide how much to actually spend for a huge indoor pool facility, gymnasium, and community center on property not yet chosen and at unknown cost. Cost projections range from $53,000,000 to $86,000,000. We all deserve more certainty about what we are getting for our money.
We don’t know the tax amount, we don’t know the ARC building cost, we don’t know Park District or ARC operating costs, we don’t know what other projects will be added.
It’s only fair that the Council provides all essential facts before asking for our money.
Go to www.no-kard.org for more information and vote “Against” Proposition 1.
Submitted by: Rick Whitney, Mike Nykreim, and Ken MacKenzie, www.no-kard.org