Executive Director Dolan discusses Anacortes pool district proposal amid community concerns

In a recent Skagit County government meeting, discussions centered around the proposed formation of a Metropolitan Park District, aimed at enhancing the Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center. The new executive director, who took office in April, presented the initiative, emphasizing the need for community support following a narrow defeat in the previous ballot. The proposal seeks to address the aging facility's compliance issues and improve service delivery to the community.

The executive director highlighted that the previous attempt to establish the district failed by just a few votes, largely due to a lack of understanding among voters about the proposal's details. To rectify this, the team has made adjustments to the language of the resolution, aiming for clarity and transparency. The goal is to ensure that voters comprehend the purpose and benefits of the initiative, which includes plans for a new facility to replace the current 50-year-old building.

Commissioners discussed the procedural aspects of bringing the proposal back to the ballot, noting that a petition could be initiated if the necessary support is garnered. The deadline for approval by both the Anacortes city council and county commissioners is imminent, as it must be finalized three months before the November election.

Concerns were raised regarding the taxing authority of the proposed district. The executive director clarified that while the maximum tax rate could be set at 75 cents per thousand dollars of assessed value, the initial proposal would cap it at 12 cents. This limit is intended to alleviate fears of excessive taxation, with any increases beyond this requiring voter approval.

Public comments during the meeting revealed skepticism about the proposal's transparency and outreach efforts. A resident criticized the lack of detailed information provided to the community, particularly regarding the implications for residents of nearby islands who may face significant costs to access the pool. The resident urged the commissioners to consider the fiscal equity and community impacts of the proposed district, especially for those living outside the city limits.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners expressed their support for initiatives that promote community health and well-being, while also acknowledging the importance of voter input in the decision-making process. The outcome of this proposal will depend on effective communication with the community and the ability to address the concerns raised by residents. The next steps will involve finalizing the resolution and ensuring that voters are adequately informed ahead of the upcoming election.