Recent letters from young people who are past participants in the Orcas Rec programs have described how enjoyable and valuable their experiences were, particularly with the soccer teams. Those programs were successful while dependent only on community donations, participant fees, grants, and an annual contribution from county government ($12,000 in the last year provided). The county withdrew support a couple of years ago because the county budget could not afford to continue the contribution.

In last November’s general election, the newly formed Orcas Island Park and Recreation District (OIPRD) submitted a ballot measure for funding the district. The measure asked Orcas property owners to pay annually ten cents per thousand dollars of the assessed value of their property. The measure did not pass. I did not vote in favor of the measure because, like many taxpayers, I questioned why the withdrawal of $12,000 of county funding needed to replaced with nearly $280,000 of permanent funding that would be certain to rise year after year.

Now, in a special election called for this purpose only, we are being asked to consider a request diminished from ten to nine cents per thousand, representing a reduction from $280,00 to $248,000. This amount would make up 73 percent of a total OIPRD budget proposed at over $340,000. The balance ($92,000) would still come from donations, fees, grants, and sponsorships.

Why so much money? A look at the district’s proposed budget sheds some light on the question. The scope of the district’s activity is envisioned to expand dramatically by needlessly attempting to take over the expenses of maintenance and administration of Buck Park from the school, and by hiring permanent employees with salaries and insurance benefits ($61,900 total for a director, and $36,725 for an assistant director). Additionally, $41,000 is proposed to pay for “supervisors” of “After School” and “Teen Night” activities.

I do not begrudge the district’s desire to be the best they can envision. But I honestly don’t think we need what is being envisioned, nor can we afford it with today’s economy already putting enormous strain on taxpayers. Careful consideration will confirm the wisdom of Orcas voters who rejected the measure the first time.

Leonard Wood

Eastsound