HomeMy WebLinkAbout44-16 - Res. for Proposition to Qualified Voters for Creation of a Metropolitan Park DistrictRESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON, PROVIDING FOR THE
SUBMISSION OF A PROPOSITION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF MASON COUNTY
AT A GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2016, FOR THEIR
APPROVAL OR REJECTION OF THE CREATION OF A METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT
TO BE GOVERNED BY A DULY ELECTED BOARD OF 5 COMMISSIONERS OF SAID
METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 35.61 RCW.
WHEREAS, Mason County currently operates, acquires, and maintains its parks lands and recreation
facilities using general fund and Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) dollars; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 35.61 RCW authorizes a county to create a metropolitan park district wholly within its
boundaries; and,
WHEREAS, the boundaries of the proposed metropolitan park district will be solely within the
unincorporated area of Mason County; and,
WHEREAS, a metropolitan park district has additional and independent authority to tax property to raise
funds restricted to park and recreation purposes provided for in Chapter 35.61 RCW; and,
WHEREAS, stable funding is essential to provide Mason County citizens the best possible parks, trails,
boat landings and open spaces, provide proper operation and maintenance, and to allow for future
opportunities to acquire and develop new parks, regional trails and open spaces; and,
WHEREAS, Mason County parks, trails and recreational opportunities are an essential element to the
public health, welfare and quality of life for Mason County residents.
WHEREAS, the Friends of the Parks have recommended that Mason County submit a ballot proposition to
the residents of unincorporated Mason County to form a Metropolitan Park District and that it be
governed by 5 elected metropolitan park district at -large commissioners ;
WHEREAS, The Trust for Public Land conducted a countywide voter survey in April 2016 and the
conclusion was the proposed Mason County Metropolitan Park District Formation received majority
support;
WHEREAS, it is recommended to fund the MPD by a general property tax of $0.20 (20 cents) per $1,000
of assessed value;
WHEREAS, RCW 35.61.020 provides counties the authority to pass a resolution submitting a ballot
proposition to the voters of the area proposed to be included in the district; and
NOW, THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR MASON COUNTY WASHINGTON DOES
HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Election. Pursuant to RCW 35.61.020 the Board of Mason County Commissioners hereby calls
for submission of a proposition on the November 8, 2016 general election ballot to the qualified electors
of Mason County asking whether the Mason County Metropolitan Park District shall be created.
Section 2. Ballot Proposition. The proposition to be submitted to the electorate of Mason County shall
read substantially as follows:
Resolution No.
MASON COUNTY
PROPOSITION NO. 1
METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT
Mason CountyCommissioners passed Resolution No. 444' in order to allow voters to decide whether a
Mason County Metropolitan Park District be formed in the unincorporated area of Mason County as now
and hereafter established and to be governed by an elected board of five commissioners to support
parks, trails and recreation, provide additional access to rivers, beaches and shorelines, funded by a
general property tax of $0.20 (20 cents) per $1,000 of assessed value, subject to published, annual
independent audits, and citizen oversight. Shall the Mason County Metropolitan Parks District be so
created and governed?
[ ] For the formation of a metropolitan park district to be governed by an independent elected board of
five commissioners.
[ ] Against the formation of a metropolitan park district.
Section 3. Commissioner Districts. Each Metropolitan Park District Commissioner position will be at -
large.
Section 4. Boundaries of the Mason County Metropolitan Park District. The boundaries of the Mason
County Metropolitan Parks District shall encompass the unincorporated areas of Mason County excluding
the incorporated area of the City of Shelton. (Attachment A)
Section 5. Effective Date. This resolution shall be in full force and take effect immediately.
Passed this C11 of July, 2016.
ATTEST:
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Julie Almanzor, Clerk of the
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Tim Whitehead Chief DPA
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Terri Jeffreys,
Tim Sheldon, Commissioner
Randy Neatherlin, Commissioner
J:\Metro Park District\Resolution for County MPD ballot proposition.doc
Attachment A
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Proposed Mason County Metropolitan Park District
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Legend
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Shelton City Boundary
County_Boundary
Proposed Mason County Metro Park District
Private Road
City of Shelton Roads
County Road �V
State Highway
Federal Highway
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