Do you like Portland Parks & Recreation’s newly renovated playgrounds, Free Lunch + Play, and summer movies in the park? We do, too! But. These family favorites could be drastically cut back if a new 5-year levy to support parks and rec operations is not approved by voters in the city of Portland.
If Portland residents approve Ballot Measure 26-260, the levy will go toward things like park maintenance, repairing or renovating things like playgrounds, community centers and pools; planting and maintaining trees; continuing discounted recreation programs for families experiencing poverty; and preserving access to classes, camps, community center hours, parks and pools. This new bond would mean around an $11-a-month increase in property taxes.
Here’s the real kicker: If a new levy is not approved, the PP&R operating budget would be reduced by approximately half, resulting in fewer programs and services for families. That’s a big decrease.
So if maintaining park programming is important to your family — please make sure you vote to approve the measure next month!
And for families in the Lake Oswego School District
There’s another special election ballot issue for families residing in the Lake Oswego School District, which consistently ranks as one of the top school districts in the state, asking voters to approve a $245 million bond. If Ballot Measure 3-628 is approved, the bond would be used to increase school safety through seismic updates, hardened glass and secure classroom doors; update aging schools including replacing the two oldest schools Forest Hills and Lake Grove Elementary Schools that cannot be seismically updated; and to upgrade technology for students. The new bond is expected to maintain the current bond tax rate and not increase taxes for property owners.
Voter Information
The special election will be held on November 4. Here is handy info on the current measures, voter information and more. And while this election is only for residents in the city of Portland — and those in the Lake Oswego School District — we feel that it’s important to share with all of our readers. The services PP&R provides to our great community is invaluable. Make your vote count!