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York County Council abolishes Recreation Tax District, backs stipend plan after heated debate
Summary
After extended public comment and hours of debate, York County Council voted 5–2 on June 2 to abolish the York County Recreation Tax District and replace it with a stipend and limited capital grant framework for municipalities. The move drew objections from municipal leaders and some residents who urged a longer, joint process.
York County Council on June 2 approved third reading of an ordinance abolishing the York County Recreation Tax District and approved a county-managed stipend approach for municipal recreation programs, passing the measure 5–2.
The decision follows months of discussion and a public hearing that drew residents, municipal officials and recreation advocates. County staff and the county manager presented a plan that would end the 1.5-mill unincorporated recreation tax and instead direct county funds to municipalities using a data-driven stipend model aimed primarily at youth recreation, with a modest capital grants program.
Assistant County Manager Tom Couch, who led the staff briefing, said the stipend approach is meant to “fund our parks and recreation services, while at the same time trying to provide a reasonable funding stream for the municipalities.” Couch told council the staff proposal included a per‑registrant stipend (staff presented…
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