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Editorial: Good reads on park vote
Op-Ed · October 09, 2014
The City of West Branch last week released a six-page document outlining the two votes coming up Nov. 4 in regards to improving city parks.
We would strongly encourage residents to read the packet, which is also included in this week’s newspaper, and consider attending one of the information meetings as they prepare for these two votes. The packet is well-designed and easy to understand with lots of information, drawings and financial data.
A key piece of information is that, if passed, neither will increase property taxes. Of course, that does not mean voters will not feel it in their pocketbooks.
The Local Option Sales Tax that was put in place for four years to pay for an addition to the West Branch Fire Station will expire in June 2015, so that would remove a 1-percent sales tax that is already in place. However, the first ballot initiative asks voters to extend that tax for another 10 years to raise about $1.8 million. It needs a simple majority of votes to pass. While the sales tax affects West Branch residents, this city benefits from motorists — whether tourists, commuters or travelers — who pull off Interstate 80 and spend money here, though the tax does not affect gasoline or groceries.
The second vote asks voters to allow the city to borrow up to $4 million by issuing bonds. While the city’s plans to pay this off do not include raising property taxes, it does cut into the total amount of money the city can borrow for other projects. This referendum needs a 60-percent majority to pass.
West Branch wants to attract more people to this city while also retaining current residents. Parks are important to that end. However, each time the city council talks about these votes, we do hear residents concerned about funding for streets, sidewalks and water and sewer infrastructure — also valid concerns. In both cases, voters will have to consider what projects should be covered in the city’s annual budget, and what projects are worth special taxes or borrowing.
The information packet and the city’s information meetings will help voters trying to gather as much data as possible before entering the polling booth on Nov. 4.
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