Leanna Whitney can put rec district on the right track

Dear editor:

I have attended several of the WECRD meetings and listened carefully to what the three directors have to say. The WECRD secretary is a gem. She answered my questions and provided copies of documents, which helped me to better understand how we got to where we are with the Recreation District.

I went to www.wecrdgov.org, the official WECRD website, and reviewed each segment. It is easy to navigate and could be an excellent format for the WECRD directors to keep the public informed on how our tax dollars are being collected, managed, and spent by this taxing authority. I would strongly recommend that every voter in this community check it out. Review the "history," paying particular attention to the "Timeline" for the WECRD (page 1 of 1). It is in color and nicely put together with easy to follow boxes. A timeline shows where you've been, where you are now, and where you are going. It can keep a group focused on the ultimate goal and provide an easy format to share the project with those less familiar with the work.

To summarize the WECRD timeline:

1997-- city of Mountain Home performs Capital Expenditure Survey -- favorable response for indoor rec center.

1998-99 -- Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) formed, performed market survey, obtained positive community response for Community Recreation/Cultural Facility 2000 -- the proposed Recreation District was put to the voters and passed.

2001 -- Three WECRD directors appointed by the governor.

2002 -- Directors reviewed and revised Comprehensive Business Plan, Facility Financial Operational Analysis and Construction Cost Analysis.

2003 -- Facility site finalized and land purchase agreement signed (pending favorable clearance for facility construction - land survey, level 1 EPA, FEMA Review, City "Area of Impact" zoning, P&Z review).

2004 -- ten acres of land purchased with an option for an additional 10 acres; Leadership Committee evaluated facility architectural design, alternative energy options, construction cost analysis. and YMCA collaboration.

2005 -- But no... This is where the WECRD Tiineline ends - 2004!

The published timeline for the WECRD stops four, nearly five years ago! I'm not trying to be picky but if the directors put this on their website to inform the public, shouldn't it at least be current? I received this attractive but very outdated timeline at the first WECRD meeting I attended earlier this year. I assumed I was missing a page or two.

But everything became crystal clear as I watched the directors in action. The WECRD meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the conference room of their office building (formerly the Mountain Home School District Office).

Come and find out what the WECRD is doing with your hard-earned tax dollars. It will be an eye-opening experience.

Mollie Marsh is up for election for the first time since she was appointed in 2001. One of her strongest supporters, Joseph Armstrong, wrote a letter to the editor on Sept. 24. I would like to address some of his comments. He stated that WECRD "could pursue state funds, grants, mil levy taxes, donations, charitable gifts, and other forms of monetary support that would allow them to reserve funds until a facility could be built and the dream realized."

When the WECRD was being formed it promoted a $34.50 annual living unit assessment tax to the public as the means by which the taxpayers would participate in the funding of the district. It was a flat fee that affected homeowners only.

Many people bought into the idea of a recreation district because the amount seemed reasonable enough for the benefits. After collecting taxes from the public for six years using this method the WECRD Directors opted to change the way we were taxed to a mil levy tax that impacted homeowners and business owners. They didn't widely advertise this to the public, ask for our opinion or seek our support. They did it at a meeting where my husband was the only community member present with two of the three directors. He couldn't believe they had the authority to so easily change from the flat rate to a mil levy. It was legal, but was it ethical and fair to the taxpayer? Certainly not!

In 2006 the WECRD collected $253,299 in revenue. In 2007 it shot up to $413,255 with the mil levy of .0005341, a 62 percent increase! They chose to go for the maximum amount allowable. I whole-heartedly agree with Leanna Whitney's assessment that "this is a violation of taxpayers' trust."

Mr. Armstrong states "the board was approached recently with the idea of decreasing the tax levy after the first phase of the facility was completed. They were very open to the idea and fully understand the need for having a facility that is self supporting." Mollie Marsh was anything but "open" to the idea of reverting back to a flat fee as suggested by the 15-20 upset citizens who attended the WECRD meeting in August.

After Phase I the chances of a decrease are nil. It is very doubtful that the budget will cover the operating costs, even taxing us to the full extent. Pools are expensive to maintain -- just ask the mayor. He stated at a recent meeting that it costs "$1,000/day" for the 89 days the city pool is open each year.

Mr. Armstrong suggested http:ci.golden.co.us/Page.asp?NavID=331 to learn more about how the city of Golden, Colo., built a beautiful community center with an indoor pool. I went to the website and was totally impressed by what they had built. It looks fantastic! I've also been in communication with the Golden Parks and Recreation coordinator.

Now, here is the rest of the story. According to the latest data (2000 demographics) available on the US Census Bureau website, Golden is a more affluent community of 17,000+ people located about 15 minutes from Denver. The median family income (in 1999) was $62,414/year and the average home value was $198,300. Data for Mountain Home = 11,143 population; median family income $41,485; average home value $91,400. National data showed an average income of $50,046; average home value $119,600. The residents of Golden voted to increase their city sales tax by $.0l to fund capital improvements, of which the Golden Community Center (part of Parks and Recreation) was the second improvement project. They did not establish a separate Recreation District so the facility is a city program with city funds backing them up.

The project, including the land, (which was purchased for $96,000, about one fifth of what the WECRD paid for their land) cost $6,545,843 ($5.5+ million was the building and the rest included the land, fees, architect, engineer, landscaping, etc.). The first fully operational year was 2004 and data is available for 2005 and 2006. Daily admissions: 2004=425,765; 2005=319,340; 2006=173,500 (60 percent decrease!). Total operating expenditures: 2004= $1,681,580; 2005=$1,809,743; 2006-$1,765,604. Accumulation of Surplus Funds (used): 2004=($73,210); 2005=($67,198); 2006= ($227,164)! Ending Available Cash: 2004=$302,420; 2005=$235,222; 2006=$8,058!

Looks to me like their dream facility is a huge money pit that fewer people are using each year.

In addition to city funding, fees are collected from those who use the facility. Admission, which includes aquatic area, fitness classes, locker room, gym, track, weights, cardiovascular, and climbing wall, range from $1.75 for tots 5 and under, $3.50 for children up to 18 years and seniors 60+, and $5 for adults 19-59 years. Annual passes start at $135 for tots, $270 for youth and seniors, and $385 for adults. Family passes are available with the first adult at full price and each other member at 1/2 price. (A family of four with two youths would pay $795/year.)

This is a larger, more diverse operation than the one currently proposed by the WECRD and we also have fewer people and a lower average income. We have a large active duty and retired military population with access to free or low-cost swimming and gym facilities 10 miles from town so their involvement is uncertain.

The WECRD has already taxed us to the maximum extent and the city won't be contributing their tax dollars. Money is tight so the grants, charitable donations and state and federal funds aren't as likely to come our way. Clearly, participant fees will have to be substantial to make this project solvent.

Mollie Marsh would have us believe that we are very close to breaking ground for this proposed building. The land is paid for and they are thrilled with the location. Looks great on the surface, but talk to the Mountain Home Growth and Development staff. Review the official map for that parcel of land, noting that Rattlesnake Creek runs through the property. Talk to the experts about this location and ask the WECRD directors if this land is in the floodplain and what that might mean for costs and feasibility. Go to www.mountain-home.us/floodplain and read the recommendations for building in a flood plain just in case.

It is time for full disclosure by the WECRD directors. The public deserves a clear understanding of the proposed architectural design, the construction cost, and the operational cost.

The needs assessment done 10-11 years ago helped to narrow down the community recreation priorities. We need to know if that assessment is still valid. In these tough economic times, individuals and government agencies have to be fiscally responsible and make decisions based on needs, not wants.

People from all segments of the community should provide input on the most essential recreational facilities and programs needed to enhance their lives. We all need to be honest about what we are willing to pay for these services before we build something that is not sustainable.

Taxpayers deserve a say in how the WECRD directors levy taxes on property owners and allocate our money. They are supposed to be accountable to US.

There are many options to benefit every segment of our community. We need a leader who will listen to our concerns and speak for the people. I believe Leanna Whitney has the people skills to work with individuals and organizations. She has the financial expertise that is desperately needed. Leanna Whitney can put the WECRD on the right track.

Judy Mayne