Park and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Date: January 16, 2020
To: Park and Recreation Advisory Board
From: Tim Behrendt, Street and Park Manager
Title
Parks and Recreation Survey
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield Park and Recreation Advisory Board discusses the park and recreation survey.
Summary Report:
The park and recreation survey went out to all Northfield residents. City Council is exploring the level of interest for park related improvements that would be eligible for funding through a .5% general sales and use tax. The State allows City Councils to request a sales tax increase. There would need to be legislative approval and local voter approval as well for this increase to go into effect.
The sales tax increase can only be used for regional projects that benefit not only local residents but also outside residents. There can only be 5 projects (we may be able to group some together) and they must be defined. Some projects that are possible are Athletic facilities (Spring Creek, Sechler and Babcock), River Corridor, Indoor facility (senior center, tennis courts, etc), Ice arena upgrades, etc. This would need to be finalized by the end of January.
Council will be discussing this at the January 14 work session.
Alternative Options:
Do not request a sales tax increase and try to fund park improvement through property taxes.
Financial Impacts:
It is anticipated that the .5% sales tax increase could generate between $500,000 and $600,000 per year.
Tentative Timelines:
Council approval January 2020
State Legislative approval Spring 2020
Residents vote November 2020