The Urbana Park District will again attempt to raise property taxes enough to pay for an outdoor pool:
And while board Vice President Nancy Delcomyn said she's sad to see the district's only outdoor pool closed, she wants to start planning its replacement as soon as possible. She urged community members to sign up to be involved in the process.
The park district will be able to afford it if voters approve a 15-cent tax increase per $100 of assessed valuation in April. The tax increase would mean the owner of a $150,000 house would pay about $68 more in taxes. The increase isn't just because of the pool, said Vicki Mayes, the park district's executive director. The park district needs it to catch up on its maintenance, prevent problems from happening and to match grants that will help improve its programs and parks.
The board unanimously approved putting the question on the ballot.
Walker said he believes it's time, and that the park district's finances need to be addressed.
"We're ready to put that question to the public," Walker said.
Last year, the park district asked for an increase of 25 cents per $100 assessed valuation; that was defeated by 64 votes. As part of that proposal, the park board wanted to take on a $5 million renovation of Crystal Lake Pool.
I thought the 25-cent increase was an insanely large request, and even so, it almost passed. They're trying again in April, when they hope turnout will be more friendly to a tax increase.
