Lacey sets date and tax levy amount for vote on funding parks. Here are the details
It’s not official just yet — Lacey City Council still needs to vote on a ballot measure-related resolution next month — but the council provided enough direction on Tuesday to know this much: Formation of a Metropolitan Park District is headed to voters on Aug. 5.
The council also settled on a property tax rate: 45 cents per $1,000, which means the owner of a $500,000 home would pay $225 a year, or $18.75 per month, for parks.
If approved by voters, the parks district would generate about $6 million a year for parks and parks maintenance.
How did we get here?
A 15-member Parks Improvement Funding Workgroup reviewed parks expansion and replacement projects contained in the city’s six-year Parks Capital Improvement Program, then recommended creating a Metropolitan Park District to the city council last year.
They identified nearly $50 million in new capital park projects and $6.5 million in replacement projects, according to city data. The parks district would be the vehicle to fund those projects.
Some of those priority projects include a spray park, an indoor playground at the proposed Young Child & Family Center near Nisqually Middle School, Wonderwood Park trails resurfacing, and more amenities at Huntamer Park, according to city information.
Before the council settled on the levy rate, they discussed whether to start it at 30 cents per $1,000 in assessed value, or to have a graduated rate.
Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder expressed support for a graduated rate and also shared worries that property taxes in general are confusing for residents.
“It’s more complicated as we all know, and it’s the complication that leads to the confusion, that leads to uncertainty that I’m worried about,” he said, adding that he wants the parks district to pass.
Council member Lenny Greenstein said a graduated rate, or a levy rate of 30 cents or 45 cents, won’t change voters’ minds.
“If the people are going to support it, they’re going to support it whether it’s 30 cents or 45 cents,” he said. “I don’t think it changes the outcome, changing the number.”
Most important is for the city is to show this parks district is meaningful for voters, said Deputy Mayor Malcolm Miller.
“I think we just really need to focus on establishing value, and what you’re going to get for your 20 bucks (per month),” he said. “You know, I think we’ve demonstrated over the last, who knows how long, that we are pretty serious about our parks department.”
On that note, the city intends to roll out a communications plan — information only, not advocacy — about the proposed parks district. That will include community meetings, talking points and questions and answers for the public, according to information shared at the meeting.
This will be the city’s second try at a Metropolitan Park District. Lacey proposed one in November 2018, but voters rejected it.
This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
