Local pools depend on levies

 

Last updated 7/18/2013 at Noon



After the maintenance and operation (M&O) levy failed in Washtucna last year, the levy is again finding its way back to voters’ ballots for the upcoming Aug. 6 primary election. Ritzville and Lind parks and recreation districts are also submitted M&O levies for the primary election.

Ballots are being sent to voters on July 19 for the primary election and all ballots must be returned by Aug. 6.

All three of the communities’ M&O levies are directly comparable with the levies placed on last year’s ballot. In Washtucna, the M&O levy submitted for election is for an estimated $1.08 per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation on property tax for 2013.

The Adams County Park and Recreation District No. 3 in Lind is submitting an M&O levy for $0.25 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. The Adams County Park and Recreation No. 4 in Ritzville levy is for $90,000, an estimated $0.29 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation.

Last year, the Adams County Park and Recreation District No. 2 in Washtucna placed an M&O levy on the primary ballot, but the levy failed. The levy was re-submitted and placed on the general election ballot and required a super majority to pass, and the levy failed a second time with 56 percent of voters voting in favor of the levy. A super majority vote requires 60 percent of votes in favor of the levy.

The failure of the levy resulted in the closure of the Washtucna pool this summer, and parks and recreation board members are encouraging area residents to support the levy in order to reopen the pool next summer. With the closure of the facilities, an estimated five part-time employees did not have summer jobs through the department this year.

“It’s a good place for kids to learn the responsibilities of being an employee,” board member Dennis Evans said about the pool. “There’s not a lot of places in Washtucna for kids to work.”

The pool typically had two lifeguards on staff during open hours, and also employed two or three other part time employees for general operations of the facilities.

“We still have hopes that people understand the need for the pool and want a community that has facilities for kids,” Evans said. “It’s good for recreation, and something that’s a typical summer activity for them (kids), and the park by the pool is a good place to play.

“We’re confident the pool has always been important to the community, and we’re hoping people will talk to their neighbors and help the pool,” Evans concluded.

The parks and recreation department currently has the necessary funds to complete the essential maintenance at the pool, but requires the levy dollars in order for the pool to once again become functional. Evans explained the levy dollars would help clean up the facilities and provide the board members with the appropriate amount of time to prepare the pool for next summer.

“We’re hoping that the people who want the pool to function and want that as part of the community, we hope they know that every vote for that cause is needed,” Evans said. “If the levy passes, we have the funds to continue maintaining the pool and to open next year.”

The levy helps provide funds to maintain the pool and in turn provides a safe, controlled environment of local children during the summertime. Evans explained that while the facility is expensive to operate, he hopes voters realize they are not only investing in the facility, but also in the community and the residents who live there.

Primary election ballots are mailed by July 19 and residents can expect to see them in their mailboxes soon. The ballots must be received by Aug. 6 and must be postmarked by then to be counted.

For more information about the primary election, visit the Adams County website at http://www.co.adams.wa.us. All questions concerning the election can be directed to Heidi Hunt at 659-3249.

 

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