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San Juan County Council orders election to form Lopez Island Park and Recreation District
Summary
The San Juan County Council voted July 15 to place a measure on the November ballot asking Lopez Island voters whether to form a Lopez Island Park and Recreation District.
The San Juan County Council voted July 15 to adopt a resolution calling for a November ballot measure to create a Lopez Island Park and Recreation District.
Supporters told the council the district would provide a stable local funding source for youth sports and the Family Resource Center’s after-school and summer programs, and allow Lopez to manage recreation services locally. "This parks and rec district would save programs that are facing budget cuts," said Brady Smith, superintendent of Lopez Island School District, speaking for the citizens’ formation committee.
Why it matters: the district, if formed, would be a special local taxing district whose property-tax revenues would be spent on services and programming on Lopez Island and decided by Lopez voters. The council noted the measure would be placed on the November general election ballot and that only Lopez voters would approve the district and levy its taxes.
Details and next steps: County staff briefed the council on the paperwork and the November timeline for the county auditor’s office. Council member comments emphasized the district’s potential to sustain school sports and youth programming after federal grant funds expire. The council asked staff to transmit the adopted resolution to the auditor for ballot placement.
Public reaction: the council heard public testimony in support of the measure, including from Brady Smith, who described the district as a way to keep program revenue local and to support working families on Lopez.
Outcome: Council member (mover) introduced a motion to adopt the resolution, it was seconded and approved by voice vote; final motion language and formal filing with the auditor followed.
What’s next: The measure will appear on the November general-election ballot; if approved by Lopez voters, the district and its taxing authority will be established and staff will return with implementation details and next steps for creating services and budgets.
