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Mah suggested the items be included in the city’s six-year Capital Facilities Plan late Tuesday night during a study session about the plan, a proposal that took council members by surprise. Though the council took no action, a majority of members didn’t express support for putting the projects in the plan.
Both the isthmus park and Percival Landing are city goals, but it hasn’t identified the money to pay for them. Mah said the only way the projects can be completed is through extra tax dollars, because they’re so expensive.
A final price to buy isthmus land isn’t known, but one estimate is $30 million, he said, and the second phase of Percival Landing could cost upwards of $20 million.
“You are not going to find a private benefactor to the tune of $20 to $30 million,” he said. “You’re not going to find $10 million within the capital budget to be able to do these types of projects within the next six years. So if you’re looking to a commitment for six years, you’re going to have to at least ask the voters if you’re going to fund this.”
Councilman Stephen Buxbaum said he thought the six-year plan should include only what the city is capable of funding and “at this juncture, I don’t want to get all caught up in an expectations game.”
But Councilwoman Rhenda Strub said “I am getting over my initial shock and thinking that this is something I want to support.”
Jane Kirkemo, the city’s finance director, expressed a concern that the state requires capital facilities plans to include only “projects that you reasonably have an expectation that you will receive the money in that six-year time period.” She questioned whether that would happen.
Councilman Steve Langer, said Mah’s proposal was “sort of a surprise” and that he needs to look at the big picture and the city’s operating budget first.
Mah responded after other council members had spoke. “I think it’s a mistake, personally, not to identify a voted bond.”
Buxbaum said the bond issue is “something that we can discuss.”
The $126.8 million Capital Facilities plan guides the city’s priorities for its built environment, with priorities for physical items, including buildings, bridges, utilities and roads. The plan, adopted every year, does not mean that all the projects will be done in six years, but it pinpoints City Manager Steve Hall’s priorities. They can be re-prioritized each year if the council wishes.
Mah also proposed that the West Olympia Plaza be added to the plan, but didn’t specify a voter measure to pay for it. The council agreed to purchase the land for the plaza, near the intersection of Cooper Point Road and Harrison Avenue, earlier this year for $300,000. And the city is drafting an agreement with the West Olympia Community Visioning Group to finish the park.
Matt Batcheldor: 360-704-6869 mbatcheldor@theolympian.com
