The Trenton Park Board is ready to move ahead in asking the Trenton City Council to allow voters to approve the eventual elimination of the property tax for parks and the implementation of a one-half cent sales tax for park system improvement and maintenance.
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The Trenton Park Board is ready to move ahead in asking the Trenton City Council to allow voters to approve the eventual elimination of the property tax for parks and the implementation of a one-half cent sales tax for park system improvement and maintenance.
During a meeting Wednesday night, the board agreed to ask the council to approve the placement of an issue on the April 8 ballot that would reduce the park?s portion of the property tax by 50 percent in 2004 and implement a one-half cent sales tax in the City of Trenton. As part of the measure, bonds in the amount of $2,150,000 would be issued to pay for a new aquatic center, with the center to be paid off in 13 years. In the 14th year, the property tax for the park system would be totally eliminated.
Board members reviewed a presentation that will be given to the Trenton City Council at its meeting on Monday night. Included in the presentation are reasons why the additional funds are needed and how they would be used.
The objectives of the board include replacement of the existing deteriorating swimming pool with an outdoor family aquatic center at an estimated cost of $2,049,400; replacement and upgrading of playground equipment in Moberly, Eastside and Van Meter parks at an estimated cost of $142,500; reconfiguration of Van Meter Park for better utilization of its facilities at an estimated cost of $79,310; expansion of the existing walking/biking trail in Eastside Park at an estimated cost of $60,000, with grants being sought to help pay for the project; and refurbishing of the existing deteriorating tennis courts in Moberly and Eastside parks at an estimated cost of $72,000.
Currently, the park system is funded through an ad valorem tax, which generates about $110,000, and user fees, which generate the remainder of the $171,000 in total revenue. Board members said the revenue is barely enough to maintain what is in the park system already and is not enough to make major repairs or to add to the system. As an example, board members point to the 35-year-old municipal swimming pool, where concrete core samples taken by a professional engineer from Larkins Aquatics indicate that the concrete is delaminating and is in poor condition. In addition, the pool does not meet the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, which require a zero entry and does not meet current design and insurance guidelines. In addition, the pool has major leaks which, in the 2002 season, required the addition of approximately 5,000 gallons of water per day.
The projects to be funded through the proposed tax would be staggered over a period of 10 years.
The board is scheduled to meet at 8:30 a.m., Friday to discuss the selection of bond counsel.
In other business, the board heard a report from Park Superintendent Jason Shuler, who said the Rock Barn Courtyard roof is completed. Shuler also said the seeding around the walking trail has been completed and most of the signs along the trail have been posted. Shuler said he will begin writing a recreational trails program grant and is working on the 2003-2004 budget.
In addition to the meeting Friday morning, the board plans to meet at 8 p.m. on Monday, following the city council meeting.