A proposed referendum to boost Rochester park funding received Rochester City Council approval Monday.
“I think it’s both a good and bad time,” council member Nick Campion said of the plan to put a $2 million property tax referendum question on the Nov. 3 ballot.
The move received unanimous council support.
The question will let voters decide whether to support a property tax increase to generate $2 million a year to improve the existing system, while also increasing conservation efforts and providing greater access to parks.
Campion said he’s received messages from constituents on both sides of the issue.
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While some constituents have told him the timing is bad because people are struggling with the impact of COVID-19, he said others are starting to see the benefits of parks with increased use amid the pandemic.
He said the split opinions make it an ideal issue for a public vote.
Council member Patrick Keane said his initial response was to oppose the potential property tax increase but added that it’s not necessarily up to the council in the long run.
“I guess I’m comfortable enough to put it to the voters,as opposed to deciding I don’t want them to decide right now,” Keane said, adding that the survey data doesn’t show overwhelming support for the proposal.
The proposed measure would spur an additional $33 property tax increase for a Rochester home with a taxable value of $200,000. A $150,000 home would see $25 added to its annual property tax bill.
When it comes to commercial property taxes, the proposed measure would add $34 in annual taxes to a $200,000 property and $84 to a property with a $500,000 taxable value.
According to the proposed ballot language, the measure would “provide a dedicated source of funding to protect water quality and natural areas; conserve trees and wooded areas that help to protect air quality; improve access to existing parks and recreational facilities for kids and people with disabilities; improve park safety; and maintain, operate, and improve existing parks.”
The city’s 2016 Parks and Recreation System Plan identified more than $80 million in potential improvements, based on increased demand and proposed upgrades.
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“We know $2 million doesn’t go to fund everything, but it does help quite a bit to get started,” said Linnea Archer, president of the Rochester Park Board.
