Parks planner outlines proposed Lacey Metropolitan Park District, 45-cent levy cap

Jenny Wilson, senior parks planner for the City of Lacey, told the Lacey Library Board on June 12 that registered voters within Lacey city limits will see a ballot measure in August asking whether to create a Metropolitan Park District (MPD) to provide ongoing funding to maintain, operate and improve parks, trails and recreation facilities.

Wilson said the ballot would authorize a tax rate of up to 45 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, and that the city estimates the levy would generate about $5.9 million a year. She told the board the MPD boundary would be the Lacey city limits and that the Lacey City Council would serve as the MPD board if voters approve the measure.

Wilson said the city’s intent in placing the measure on the ballot is to “supplement, not replace existing parks and recreation funds.” She explained the MPD is a junior property-taxing district authorized by state law and described it as a way to create a…