CONIFER PARK & RECREATION DISTRICT---WHAT’S THE STORY?

 

 

On Tuesday, May 3, 20ll, a polling place election will be held at West Jefferson Elementary School to form a recreation district. This will be the fifth effort. The district would cover l02 square miles along the 285 Corridor. The district would have the power to hold an election in any year to raise property taxes. The organizers maintain this will be a “No Tax” district.

 

 Is this true?

 

Initially, yes. There won’t be an effort to raise taxes this May. However, by required letter last October, the district organizers notified property owners the district “will seek” to “assess a property tax.” The district’s September, 20l0 Service Plan (its foundational governance document) states the district intends “to follow” this election with a future tax increase election. In fact, the Service Plan only contains a financial plan for a tax district, and states, “the District’s primary source of income will be from property and ownership tax revenues.” The legal documents show the intent to establish a tax, not a “No Tax” district---that’s a campaign slogan.

 

If voter approved without property taxes, can the district support itself?

 

It’s problematic. Without tax revenues, in a time of scarce resources, the district must rely on iffy grants, limited state funds, user fees. The l02 square mile district, with a l4,000 population, would be the biggest-poorest district in JeffCo. The organizers have no financial plan for the “No Tax” district (no tax, no secure revenue, no budget). In fact, the Service Plan states “With voter approval of the initial operating mill levy, the District will organize its initial offering of recreational activities, secure program facilities and/or spaces, and provide for the necessary personnel and/or equipment.” In other words, the legal document shows the organizers realize they can do little as a “No Tax” district; they must raise taxes.

 

Either with taxes or a “poor” new government, don’t we need a district?

 

The area’s private/public sectors, and non-profits, have brought change to Conifer. There are now thousands of parkland acres open for hiking, biking, riding, sledding, and other activities. There are athletic fields, including 2 artificial fields at Conifer schools, available for public use: schools, too (and churches) are used for meetings/events. There is a thriving community theatre (Stage Door) with programs for children, adults. There are area clubs and dance, martial arts, fitness/exercise classes, facilities. There is the Aspen Park Community Center: decades used for social gatherings. The list could go on, but must include the +400 acre Conifer Community Park at Beaver Ranch, public owned and non-profit run. Its facilities (indoor/outdoor) provide for passive/active recreation and social activities---the annual “Conifair” has been held here. The organizer’s Service Plan states Conifer “has no community gathering place” for social activity, that “no place exists” to gather in “healthy activity.” Those are false statements, like the “No Tax” campaign slogan.

 

Vote “No” Tuesday, May 3-----it’s a matter of trust, financial credibility, taxes.

 

Conifer Deserves Better