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Council unanimously approves placing 20‑year LaMontes Park tax extension on November ballot
Summary
Staff proposed a 20‑year extension of the expiring LaMontes Park property tax to fund capital repairs and operations of the Great Outdoors Waterpark; the council approved a resolution to refer the question to voters after debate about financing, Certificates of Participation and inclusion of a reduced‑fee program for low‑income residents.
City staff asked council to place a ballot question before voters to extend an expiring property tax that funded LaMontes Park facilities. Community Services staff and the CFO presented a proposal to extend the current levy for 20 years to fund capital repairs and ongoing operations at the Great Outdoors Waterpark; staff estimated the measure could generate up to $713,000 annually (approximately $36.67 per year for the average home at a $700,000 value) and projected capital needs above $7 million over the next 5–12 years.
CFO Heather Balser said the extension would permit flexible financing options, including potential certificates of participation (COPs) to front‑load projects; bond counsel advised COP proceeds could be repaid from the extended levy so long as projects are eligible under the ballot language. Councilors debated whether to put explicit language about a reduced‑fee program for low‑income residents into the ballot text. Bond counsel and staff noted such program specifics are typically included in the resolution and outreach materials rather than the ballot question itself. After discussion, council voted unanimously to place the question on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot.
