By Sydna Koontz, University Place
In a well run city a strategic approach is taken (Council sets priorities, creates a vision and a mission, establish goals to be achieved). Property taxes paid by residents and businesses (as well as miscellaneous taxes from utilities) serve as the income to provide those services.
The city staff develops a budget (taking into consideration the income it receives and the expenses they forecast) and the council approves that budget. Hopefully, proposed income keeps pace with expenses but if not you look for grants and other funding sources to cover those services.
The last resort is raising taxes — OR FORMING NEW TAXING ENTITIES. I feel the citizens of University Place are being held hostage. When cities incorporate they take on the responsibility of providing services for their residents (Community Development, Economic Development, Finance/Administrative Services, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Police, Municipal Court, Legal).
In smaller municipalities, some of these services are combined (like planning and economic development) or “contracted out” (such as police or municipal court) as it is more cost effective. But basic services must and should be the responsibility of the city, otherwise why incorporate?
Twenty years ago, when Lakewood became a city, a priority was established by a City Council to improve and make life better for its residents throughout the City.
- Decisions were made to dedicate 1 percent of its general fund to pay for human services for Lakewood residents, making it one of the few cities that dedicate money specifically for human services. And because of the collaboration and partnerships the city has fostered, this commitment to its most vulnerable citizens hasn’t wavered despite tough economic times.
- A focus on youth and families was given a priority. Because of efforts, Lakewood is a six-time winner of America’s Promise “100 Best Communities For Young People.” The five promises include a caring adult in each child’s life, a healthy start, a safe place, effective education, opportunities to give to others. To this day, the promise to support Lakewood’s youth inspires the city and is interwoven in all aspects of their government.
- One department within the city to embrace this priority is Parks and Recreation. The department has done an outstanding job of partnering with local groups to raise funds for park improvements and programs. The city staff has used these funds to obtain matching funds from state and federal agencies enabling Lakewood to enhance local parks and provide much needed facilities and programs for its residents. Just this last year Partners For Parks [a collaboration of Lakewood service organizations (Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis), community groups, educational institutions, military and businesses] donated $100,000 to the city for renovation of the trail around Waughop Lake at Fort Steilacoom Park. That money helped the City obtain a state RCO grant to help fund this $500,000 improvement. Since 2001 PFP has partnered with the city, contributing over $300,000 for park needs. Springbrook Park, the only public space in a low income area, serves as a gathering place for young children, families and seniors. It is poised to receive a major improvement thanks to the Lakewood Lions Club and the Lakewood Community Foundation who have partnered with the city to help fund a covered shelter, community garden and playground equipment. The Lakewood Rotary is working with the city to establish a gathering place at Fort Steilacoom Park, contributing $300,000 toward this community facility. Because of priorities and collaborative efforts, Lakewood has become a better, safer, more positive place to live for ALL of its residents.
All of this is said because of a concern I have with the University Place movement toward establishing a U. P. Metro Parks (a separate taxing entity). I lived in Lakewood for 39 years before moving to University Place last March.
It is my understanding that the U.P. Parks and Recreation Department is now managed by the Public Works Director whose obvious expertise is on municipal services, including engineering, traffic flow, street systems, surface water management, solid waste and recycling, and transportation planning. Not that these services are not important to the city, but University Place already has a high property tax (average single family dwelling pays $4,759.12) – much higher than Lakewood at $3,480.85.
Who is advocating for parks and recreation in UP? With these high property taxes, University Place is unable to provide even minimal services to youth, seniors and families. The minimal investment currently made into these services is serving hundreds of children and older adults. Now the UP City Council wants to eliminate these recreation services and close the senior center.
We don’t need another bureaucracy. We need new strategies and priorities. Establishing priorities start at the top – I would think the U. P. leadership should make an investment into positive alternatives for its future citizens. They should keep some control over parks and recreation programs being offered to our community. In fact, it should be a PRIORITY!
Is the reasoning behind having a Metro Parks because University Place is composed of higher income level families and it is just plain easier to collect another tax instead of building strong community partnerships, writing grants, collaborating with community partners or being more responsible in spending current taxes?