close

Bond referendum to fund projects eyed

3 min read

Implementation of the Parks Master Plan that was approved by City Council earlier this week comes with a hefty pricetag estimated at $60 million and would take several years to achieve the plan’s goals.

Funding for the projects could come from state and federal grants, private donations, the city budget process, or by applying for General Obligation Bonds, or a combination of those. Applying for bonds would need to be approved by residents through a referendum on the next general election ballot.

“A referendum in 2002 failed by a slight margin,” said Parks & Recreation Director Steve Pohlman. “The city was able to fund some neighborhood parks through the budget process. In ’02 we did not have the population that we have today. With that growth comes needs in order to fix the deficiencies.”

City Manager John Szerlag said at Monday’s council meeting that he will schedule a special workshop meeting with council and the stakeholders and consultants to discuss funding sources.

“The amount of the referendum is still up in the air and the length of time,” said Councilmember Jessica Cosden. “The longer term would be less painful for the residents. I support the notion of a referendum because we need more parks and green space.”

If council decides to seek a bond referendum for the November 2017 election, they need to provide the language to city attorneys by April or May to determine what is required with regard to any resolutions, ordinances and public hearings. Council would have to approve the referendum by June so it could be submitted to the supervisor of elections by the first week of July to be on the ballot.

Council also must decide between 10-year or 20-year bonds.

Ten-year bonds are viewed as more favorable to voters and carry a lower interest rate, but comes with a higher millage increase, according to Finance Director Vickie Bateman. A 20-year bond comes with a lower millage increase because of the longer duration, but carries a higher interest rate.

“We have to do all we can to explain and educate the public about why we need to do this,” said Councilmember John Carioscia. “It depends on the amount of exposure in publications and the media. We have to go forward with the support of the public.”

“If we don’t do bonds we will look at the low hanging fruit,” said Pohlman. “It was determined that we have too many specialty parks. By adding amenities to those parks they will be more resident friendly. For example, Horton Park is a boat launch. Adding playground equipment to that park means more people will be able to use the park.”

Pohlman added there are no parks now in the northeast Cape, so at least a neighborhood park in that area is one of his top priorities.

“I support the plan,” said Carioscia. “I’m excited about it and very confident that the referendum is the way it has to go. It’s the right thing to do.”

“A lot has changed since 2002,” added Cosden. “We have a lot more younger families with kids who would use the parks. If it doesn’t pass there still is the regular budget possibility and state and federal grants, but I’m not sure what will happen with a new administration coming in next year.”