City Council asked to proceed with Metropolitan Park District proposal covering Lacey; board to receive future briefings

Parks staff updated the board on the Parks Improvement Funding Workgroup recommendation that City Council advance a Metropolitan Park District (MPD) for parks funding with city boundaries as the district area.

Staff reported the recommendation was presented to City Council on Dec. 17 and that a follow‑up meeting occurred Jan. 14. City Council discussed the idea during its retreat and "unanimously approved for staff to to proceed in preparing a resolution for a Metropolitan Park District with the City Of Lacey as the boundary," a staff presenter said.

Staff told the board there was no final decision yet on the levy rate or ballot timing. Commissioners discussed possible election timing tied to the August primary and the practical deadlines that would accompany an August ballot placement, and requested more information on governance structure and how an MPD could affect the Parks Board.

Staff said state statute creates the entity and gives it the authority to levy a property tax for parks; the city council likely would be the managing authority if the county treasurer's oversight is forfeited to the local legislative body. Staff agreed to provide the board with additional briefings on levy terms, voter deadlines and governance options before the council finalizes a ballot measure.

Board members asked for an information session on MPD structure, levy scenarios and potential impacts on park delivery and the board's role. Staff agreed to return with more detail in a future meeting.