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Covington council places Metropolitan Park District measure on August ballot
Summary
On April 28 the Covington City Council voted to place a proposition to create a Covington Park and Recreation District on the Aug. 4, 2026 ballot, approved explanatory pamphlet language, and appointed pro- and con-committees; the proposal would levy $0.37 per $1,000 assessed value to fund parks, trails and a community center plan.
The Covington City Council voted April 28 to place a proposition on the Aug. 4, 2026 ballot to create a Covington Park and Recreation District (a Metropolitan Park District) and approved the explanatory language that will appear in the voters’ pamphlet.
Council member Jennifer moved to place the measure on the ballot; Beth seconded the motion and the council approved it by voice vote. Staff told the council the draft levy would be $0.37 per $1,000 of assessed value — roughly half the statutory cap of $0.75 per $1,000 — and that the district’s authority would fund park and trail improvements, park maintenance, planning for a community center and related services.
The measure’s proponents said the MPD would provide a steady revenue stream to sustain and expand local park services at a time grant funding alone is proving unreliable. “As a smaller city,” Jennifer said, “this gives residents an option to create a consistent and sustainable funding stream so we can plan and deliver park projects.” Beth told colleagues she supported putting the issue to voters because the proposal is transparent about what initial funding would be used for and allows residents to decide.
City staff (Rean) described the explanatory statement included in tonight’s packet as the concise summary required for voters. Jeff, who spoke in favor of the explanatory statement, said the language in the packet was clear and recommended approval. Council approved the explanatory statement in substantial form by voice vote.
The council also appointed resident committees to provide pamphlet arguments: Casey Hogan, Kawal Oandari and Laura Morice were named to the pro committee; Gary Kavanaugh and Justin Holland were named to the con committee. Councilmembers emphasized the value of having resident-authored perspectives available to voters.
The council and staff repeatedly noted that August elections historically produce low turnout and urged outreach to remind voters to cast ballots. The next formal step is preparing the voters’ pamphlet and the ballot certification deadlines ahead of the Aug. 4 election.
The council took the actions by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.
