The Orcas Island Park and Rec District is getting ready to put its popular support to the test.

Come November, voters will decide whether to fund the district. The board has proposed a levy rate of 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value for six consecutive years.

“The Board of Commissioners for OIPRD (Orcas Island Park and Rec District) desire to fund the district so that the district may fulfill its duties to provide programs, services, and other matters and functions related to parks management and recreational services and activities, as set forth in RCW 36.69.130,” reads their proposal in Resolution 2010-02.

Voters approved the creation of the Orcas Island Park and Rec District in the November 2009 election, but the district was not funded at that time.

It has remained unfunded while the all-volunteer board of commissioners plots its course. Until it is funded, the district has no capacity to support parks or recreational programming on Orcas Island, including the Orcas Recreation Program.

In a cover letter that accompanied the ballot proposal submitted to San Juan County Auditor Milene Henley, the board wrote that “OIPRD funding will be partially used to administer and/or fund recreational programming similar to, but not limited to, the activities formerly provided through the organization known as ‘Orcas Rec.’ Revenue may also be used to secure joint or sole use, repair and/or maintenance of facilities judged to be necessary and appropriate for improving safety and/or enhancing or increasing recreational opportunities for Orcas Islanders.”

San Juan County ghas rescinded all support for the Orcas Recreation Program, but still provides some funding and oversight for the Village Square and Waterfront Park.

The resolution was submitted to Henley on Aug. 5, requesting that the levy proposal be placed on the Nov. 2 ballot. After Henley’s approval, it will be up to voters to decide whether they want to fund the Orcas Island Park and Rec District.