Alan Reed | Williston Herald Williston City Commissioner Howard Klug, center, and City Commissioner James Lawson, right, listen to discussion during Tuesday evening's meetings.
Williston Park Board Vice-President Bruce Kaiser addressed the commission, saying the park district is looking to put a ballot question to the public.
The intent is to continue the 1-percent city sales tax that is being used now to pay off the bond for Williston Middle School.
"It wouldn't take effect now. Not until after the 1-percent city sales tax for the school would be off. We would pick it up immediately after," said Kaiser.
Kaiser said the middle school bond may be paid off later this year. Commissioner Howard Klug asked Kaiser what the potential impact would be if they were to have a ballot measure pass.
Kaiser said if the district has a successful vote it would either reduce or eliminate its property tax levy.
"We would no longer have to use the mill levy. Currently, 8 percent of Williston's (property) tax dollars go to parks and recreation. We could eliminate 8 percent of city taxes," said Kaiser.
Mayor Ward Koeser asked Kaiser if the proposed committee is willing to put specific language into the ballot measure to ensure a mill levy reduction. Kaiser replied it would.
Williston resident Glenn Granrud addressed the commission briefly and said he opposes the proposed measure.
"The revenue from the 1-percent city sales tax is like $2.2 million per year. With increases over a 10-year period, that could be about $30 million. It seems rather exorbitant," said Granrud.
Granrud feels that level of funding provided by the public by such means is very high, as well as inappropriate.
Kaiser said having the city sales tax dollars instead of a levy provides a much-needed jump in funding, even if sales were slow in Williston. He said if the district were to receive the city sales tax dollars, it would be taking in about $1 million per year more than it does now through property taxes. Kaiser said this would be an enormous help for maintenance.
"We've had no money for improvements," said Kaiser.
Klug asked Kaiser about the park board's thoughts on changing its funding source.
"Are you comfortable with basing your funding on a sales tax rather than the mill levy?" asked Klug.
"Absolutely," replied Kaiser.
Commissioner Brad Bekkedahl said he supports allowing a committee because such issues should be subject to the public's ruling one way or the other.
"If it's a public ballot issue I don't feel it's right for us to say no, that's not valid, as a five-person commission of an entire city," said Bekkedahl.
Klug agreed.
"I think it's very important for them to have a say in this," said Klug of the park district patrons.
Comments
Dave wrote on Feb 4, 2010 3:23 PM:
Sue Evans wrote on Feb 3, 2010 12:05 PM:
sue evans wrote on Feb 3, 2010 11:52 AM:
Steve Powell wrote on Feb 1, 2010 3:13 PM:
wilres wrote on Jan 28, 2010 4:03 PM:
Wow! Is all they do is think of ways to keep our sales taxes high? What about the residents whom dont own property? Think they care about property taxes going down? Crazy "
Bernie wrote on Jan 28, 2010 2:34 PM: