Green River council begins outreach planning for RAP tax renewal and pamphlet

Council members discussed steps to reauthorize the local recreation, arts and parks (RAP) tax at the ballot and how the city will prepare the statutory pamphlet and solicit public input.

Staff said the city must publish a pamphlet and is required by statute to include both pro and con arguments if submitted. The council discussed returning the tax’s allowable uses to capital projects after previous years when the state loosened restrictions and the city at times used funds on maintenance and wages. Staff said the city will solicit public comment, post RAP expenditures and advise the public on how to submit arguments for the pamphlet.

A councilor asked about parks the RAP tax has supported; staff pointed to past uses including resurfacing a basketball court, non-slip work at a pavilion, irrigation maintenance and intermittent wage support for park work. A resident raised Pearl Baker Park maintenance and asked whether the epicenter or the city is responsible; staff said an MOU governs current responsibilities and that volunteers and the epicenter have been active but that the city will document responsibilities in public information.

Council members asked staff to compile a multi-year accounting of RAP tax expenditures for public review and to host outreach so residents can suggest capital projects if the tax is renewed. No final decision was made at the Sept. 9 meeting; staff will prepare the pamphlet material, solicit statements, and advertise opportunities for public input before the ballot measure.