Evansville council approves $24 million parks bond, establishes special taxing district

The Evansville Common Council on Oct. 28 approved Ordinance G‑2024‑10 authorizing up to $24 million in special‑taxing‑district bonds to finance a set of park projects, including improvements to Garvin Park, aquatics facility upgrades, Center Pointe Square, golf course irrigation, CK Newsome Center renovations, Westland Park restroom work and veterinary improvements at Mesker Park.

Controller Robert Gunter described the proposal as a parks special taxing district with an estimated levy of about 6¢ per $100 assessed value in the first year and an estimated long‑term levy of about 3¢ per $100 thereafter. To give an example, the controller said the first‑year impact would be roughly $60 on a $100,000 home. The initial financing plan includes a larger first payment followed by lower payments over the short‑term bond life (controller noted redevelopment bonds are generally under 15 years for some projects).

Adam Trinkle, speaking for the Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District, urged approval, saying the proposed downtown park at Fourth and Main will support new residents and local businesses and include a public restroom to address downtown needs. “Parks, as we know, are fundamental to the success of urban places,” Trinkle said, arguing the investment would support programming, neighborhood activation and nearby housing.

Council members asked for and received clarification on levy mechanics and the project list; one councilor requested the administration provide a project‑by‑project cost breakdown after the meeting (the controller said the exhibit with the projects and estimates had been provided on Oct. 1). The ordinance passed unanimously on a roll call (9 ayes, 0 nays) and was declared adopted as amended by the council.