Survey: 70% of likely Timnath voters back 1.25% sales tax for recreation center; council to pursue ballot language

A public-opinion survey commissioned by the town and presented at the July 22 council meeting found strong support among registered-voter households for a proposed Timnath recreation center funded by a 1.25% sales-and-use tax. Skyler White of Beyond Your Base reported 1,095 survey responses — roughly a 30% response rate of registered-voter households — with 70% of respondents saying they would vote “yes” on the funding proposal and 43% saying “definitely yes.”

The ballot-language draft shown to respondents described an increase of 1.25% to begin Jan. 1, 2026, generating an estimated $9,000,000 in the first full fiscal year, with the tax to continue until Dec. 31, 2056, at which time it would reduce to 0.25% to provide a continuing revenue stream for operations unless bonds are paid earlier. White said respondents reported strong awareness of the proposal (76% had heard “some” or “a lot”) and a high level of trust in the town’s stewardship of funds (74% somewhat or very confident).

Survey findings on program and space priorities showed a strong preference for fitness equipment and multi-sport gym courts; a leisure activity pool (lazy river, zero-depth entry and water slide) and an elevated walk/jog track also ranked highly. The survey indicated that most respondents were not strongly concerned about the tax’s impact on personal budgets: 56% said they were not very or not at all concerned about a 1.25% tax (12.5 cents on a $10 purchase), while 19% were extremely or very concerned.

Councilors raised two implementation issues during discussion. First, they asked whether the voter authorization should include language allowing the tax to end earlier if bonds are paid off. Bond counsel and staff said the draft would be reviewed; language that allows for earlier termination if debt is retired is a common modification and will be considered before final ballot placement. Second, councilors asked about next steps: staff said the timeline calls for a two-reading process at the next council meetings to prepare ballot language for the November election, and council members gave direction to proceed with drafting the ballot question.

Ending

Staff will return with proposed ballot language and final draft ordinance for council consideration during the next two regular meetings. If council votes to place the measure on the ballot, the formal ordinance and ballot language will be considered in time for the November election calendar.