In November we have the opportunity to vote to tax ourselves for new recreation facilities under the $30 million General Obligation Bond (GO Bond). The Park City community needs to be informed as this vote approaches. I hope this letter helps.
Our recreation facilities are extensively used by patrons in surrounding communities. The taxpaying residents of Park City are subsidizing the larger community’s use of these facilities and are bearing disproportionate costs for construction and maintenance. The city should establish a more equitable arrangement before we tax ourselves, again. Negotiate inter-local agreements, incorporate public-private partnerships, grants and market-based user fees.
A blatant example of this inequity is the Park City Ice Arena where only 15% of the users are from 84060. Park City is the owner and operator of the ice rink. Snyderville Basin is an annual contributor of $50,000 (for capital improvements only). We are on the hook for maintenance.
Recent tallies show the city has spent $3.9 million since 2006 and the Basin $831,115. In brief, 85% of participants in 2022 at the ice arena operated by Park City were not residents of 84060. What happened to the ice skating at City Park where folks had unorganized fun?
Considering the MARC, some 20% of users are from 84060. Nonresidents are charged 10% more. Understand, funds from the GO Bond cannot be used for ongoing or additional operation and maintenance expenses for the MARC. The GO Bond cannot be used for future capital improvements. All staffing, maintenance, supplies, utilities, etc.. are paid from 84060 taxes. There are no interlocal agreements in place.
Will the 10% extra charge to 80% of MARC users cover the proposed expansion of fitness facilities at the MARC as described by the GO Bond? In all fairness, it should.
General obligation bonds are typically for projects that benefit the general community, not select groups. Fire stations, libraries, roads and open space purchases come to mind. The proposed $30 million GO Bond will subsidize some activities through increased taxes but not others, forcing everyone in 84060 to pay.
More taxes are coming. Voters, be aware that Summit County recently informed us they have to raise taxes to cover county expenses. Park City residents pay Summit County taxes. We are reeling from our most recent property tax bills. The premise that general obligation debt service could remain level for the next 10 years will be overshadowed by Summit County’s tax increases. The hope of a property tax decrease is hopeless.
Note, we already voted to tax ourselves for recreation. In 2017, Park City voters approved $25 million for the acquisition of Bonanza Flat, which added to our property taxes. In 2018, Park City voters approved $48 million for acquisition of Treasure Hill, which again added to our taxes. These voter-approved open space purchases lead to vast, year-round community wide recreation. Let’s do with what we have for now. We encourage the city to find partnership funding sources to pay for the recreational desires that prompted this $30 million GO Bond proposal.
On a personal note, I’ve lived in Houston, Texas, where indoor racket sports and gym workouts were the recreational choices. After doing time in Texas, where there is little public land, I find the uniqueness of Park City is exercise, play and social interaction in our magnificent open space. Park City’s natural amenities (mountains, autumn leaves, hiking, track skiing, alpine skiing, snowshoeing, biking) are a dream for folks in most of America. We are so fortunate.
Vote no on the issuance of this $30 million bond.
Sherie C. Harding
Park City