CITIZENS FOR RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT

Growing community through fiscal responsibility

It’s YOUR Money!

A Taxpayer’s View of “People, Parks and Places”

Parks and Rec has had an annual budget growth rate of about 8% in recent years.  It benefits from a growing tax base and increasing property values.  The Bismarck Tribune reported on April 27, 2006 that the property valuations in Bismarck increased by 13.06% in 2005. (This will increase Park District’s real estate tax revenue, (which accounts for 36.53% of its budget) by that amount, if the Park Board includes new funds in its budget and certifies it to the County Auditor.)

 

Some of the proposed projects appear worthy, others less so.  No priority has been placed on any of the proposed projects for which funding is sought.

 

 An operating budget for new facilities hasn’t been a part of the “People, Parks and Places” initiative.  If approved, more funding sources will be needed.

 

Property taxes are likely to go up if the initiative is approved. (Instead of raising the mill levy for this initiative, the Park Board reserved it for future consideration, for operations of the Park District.)  Real property tax relief is not part of this initiative.

 

$32 million or more will be taken from taxpayers in 7 years;  ½ cent until 2013, then ¼ cent remains permanent unless it is repealed.  Note: the Park Board has never recommended a ½ sales tax increase.  That was proposed by an advisory board of private interest groups.  The Park Board recommended ¼ cent increase.

 

The proposal unfairly taxes people on fixed incomes and impacts those who can least afford it.  It also taxes visitors from other communities, who may never use the facilities, but who are required to help pay for them.

 

The budget would be managed by a Joint Powers Authority Board that included the City, County, School, Parks, public and “user groups.” The structure disperses accountability and reduces ability of elected officials to manage public funds.

 

People Parks & Places creates a dedicated tax for single use which is poor public policy.  It removes funds from a competitive budgeting process for potentially more important public needs and reduces the City Commission’s ability to meet public needs in the future that may be more vital to the public interest.

 

Is increasing sales tax in public’s best interest?  (Raising sales tax may harm Bismarck and the public, by diverting private funds that help drive our economy.)

 

Park District mill levy has significant upward trend, in contrast to County, City and School District mill levy.

 

Per capita expenditures by ND and Bismarck are relatively high now. (US per capita is $74.00, ND is $179, and Bismarck is $241.)

                

We can have a high quality of life, healthy lifestyles, recreational opportunities, and growth without raising the sales tax.  We can set priorities (like we do in our personal lives) and achieve them through leadership, innovation and making the right choices. 

Vote NO on the sales tax increase June 13, 2006