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City of Enumclaw

Proposition No. 1
Community Center General Obligation Bonds - $19,500,000

The City Council of the City of Enumclaw adopted Ordinance No. 2770 concerning this proposition for bonds. This proposition authorizes the City to finance the construction and equipping of a community center; to issue up to $19,500,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within a maximum term of 29 years to finance such improvements; and levy property taxes annually in excess of regular property tax levies to repay such bonds, as provided in Ordinance No. 2770. Should this proposition be:

Approved

Rejected


If voters approve Proposition No. 1, the City of Enumclaw will respond to community programing and activity needs by issuing bonds for a new Community Center. The current senior center, housed in a 1927 building, requires extensive upgrades surpassing its value.  Based on input from citizens, council members, and experts, construction of a new community center would allow the City to provide enhanced pre-K, youth, senior, community programs, activities, and events.

 

The City will use bond proceeds totaling $19.5 million to construct a flexible Community Center catering to all age groups. Unlike the current structure, it will host various activities simultaneously, including pre-K, youth, senior, and family programs. The facility aims to enhance park program access, providing a full gym for sports and space for community events, activities, and festivals.

 

To support the project, the City identified $3.35 million in grants and funds. An additional $1 million Capital Grant request was submitted to the State Legislature in January 2024.  The proposed $19.5 million general obligation bonds would mature within 29 years or less, with repayment derived from annual excess property tax levies. The estimated excess levy rate is $0.30 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For instance, a home with an assessed value of $500,000 would incur an approximate annual cost of $150.00 ($12.50 per month).

 

Homeowners aged 61 or older, or disabled, meeting low-income requirements may qualify for a property tax exemption. For exemption details, individuals are encouraged to contact the King County Assessor at 206-296-3920.

Enumclaw needs a new community center. The spaces currently used for the youth and seniors no longer meet the needs of our residents. Many seniors depend upon services being provided and the youth center is too small to be multi-use. This new center would be a safe space that the entire community could use. 

 

City Council has spent years researching community needs and how to make our money go further. This proposal is a result of the input they’ve gathered from Enumclaw residents. Using taxes on buildings that are too small and nearing the end of their lifespan is not a smart use of our money. Investing now will provide us with a community center that will last for decades.

 

The new center will serve residents across multiple generations. Several programs currently running in inefficient spaces will be brought under one roof and having services for youth, families, seniors and athletics right downtown will keep Enumclaw money local. The community center will directly benefit all the people of Enumclaw.

 

Enumclaw always takes care of its own. Thats a small-town value we hold onto despite growth. It’s our responsibility to take care of all residents, young, aged and in-between. Please vote yes.

 

Submitted by: Julie Holbrook, Amee Smith, voteyesECC@gmail.com

No statement submitted.

Statements in favor of and in opposition to a ballot measure are submitted by committees appointed by the jurisdiction. No persons came forward to serve on the committee and to write a statement in opposition. If you would like to be involved with a committee in the future please contact the jurisdiction.

 

60% majority and minimum turnout of 40% of voters casting ballots in last general election (Washington Constitution, art. VII, sec. 2(b))

For questions about this measure, contact: Chris Searcy, City Administrator, (360) 615-5607, csearcy@ci.enumclaw.wa.us
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