Still researching but we may have found that one shining example of a government service consolidation that works.
Take a look at the Tualatin Valley Fire District.
Meanwhile todays poll on www.kast1370.com asks if you support Astoria joining up with the Seaside Rec district. So far 83% say YES. The poll will be open for a few more days so log on.
Comments expressed
I wish you had a 3rd option on your poll to create our own district. I would support that over joining Sunset, so, I am saying no when I vote.
ReplyDeleteHey Steve great idea! That will be on the next poll
ReplyDeleteA special taxing district is a good idea. Unfortunately, cities tend to lump very different things together to compete for funding. For example, Astoria has entertainment activities competing with basic service functions for funds. Yes, everyone says basic service comes first, but Astoria is a great example that such is not accurate when one looks at allocations and budget cuts. Having similar things funded together in special districts avoids that problem to some extent and gives the taxpayers some choices they usually don't have. In Oregon, of course, funding a special district will decrease the amounts that can be levied by other governments. But a district just for a pool should not be a big deal if it doesn't expand beyond its intended purpose.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anonymous. Cities do try to lump other types of services in, sort of like earmarks.
ReplyDeleteI know there is a small anti-tax movement going on. However, sticking to the local level, a tax district for the pool, and maybe other parks and rec. could be good.
I was told that part of the project, in the beginning, was for the ACC to move towards having a tax district. Of course, this is the worst time to talk about new taxes. Yet, to shoulder the burden of the pool on the users alone, with an 86% rate hike, will not solve the financial issues.
I see the Daily A article today includes a piece on how much Mary Blake is advocating strongly to add us to Sunset. Maybe it isn't a bad idea. I think the fear would be that North County might get the short end of the stick in regards to services.
Maybe Clatsop County Parks could become all encompassing as long as it remains parks and recreation (not entertainment). We already pay several different taxes to Clatsop County including 4H. If it were all lumped into one maybe administrative costs would be reduced, fairness of services would be attainable and it would be an all pay type of a deal.
Communities need healthy parks and recreation. To focus only on water, sewer, fire and police is important, but, so is mental and physical health.
I agree with Anonymous. Cities do try to lump other types of services in, sort of like earmarks.
ReplyDeleteI know there is a small anti-tax movement going on. However, sticking to the local level, a tax district for the pool, and maybe other parks and rec. could be good.
I was told that part of the project, in the beginning, was for the ACC to move towards having a tax district. Of course, this is the worst time to talk about new taxes. Yet, to shoulder the burden of the pool on the users alone, with an 86% rate hike, will not solve the financial issues.
I see the Daily A article today includes a piece on how much Mary Blake is advocating strongly to add us to Sunset. Maybe it isn't a bad idea. I think the fear would be that North County might get the short end of the stick in regards to services.
Maybe Clatsop County Parks could become all encompassing as long as it remains parks and recreation (not entertainment). We already pay several different taxes to Clatsop County including 4H. If it were all lumped into one maybe administrative costs would be reduced, fairness of services would be attainable and it would be an all pay type of a deal.
Communities need healthy parks and recreation. To focus only on water, sewer, fire and police is important, but, so is mental and physical health.