Proposed Ballot Measure for Library and Parks & Recreation
In November 2023, Corvallis voters will have an opportunity to consider Measure 2-141, a proposed ballot measure which would continue the existing five-year operating levy that funds services in Parks & Recreation and at the Library, as well as the City’s annual social services grants. Here are answers to some common questions about services that would be funded if the levy passes.
Q: What would the ballot measure do if passed?
A: The proposed ballot measure would continue the current levy and generate between $6 million and $7 million annually for five years to fund services in Parks & Recreation and the Library, as well as provide $480,000 to maintain the City’s annual social services grants. The levy would fund services at their current levels in both City departments, while increasing the dedicated funding for social services grants to local nonprofit service providers.
Q: How much would the measure cost if passed?
A: If the measure passes, the tax rate would be $1.07 per $1,000 of assessed property value starting in July 2024. The current levy also has a rate of $1.07 per $1,000 of assessed value, so the tax rate would remain the same if this measure passes.
Q: Why consider a local option levy?
A: A local option levy would provide funding beyond what the City collects through its permanent tax rate. Levies for the Library and Parks and Recreation were passed in 2011, 2013, and 2019. If the measure passes, the levy would continue at the current rate of $1.07 per $1,000 of assessed property value and would provide adequate funding to maintain Parks & Recreation and Library services for the next five years.
Q: If the measure passes, how would the levy funding be distributed between the Library and Parks & Recreation?
Tax revenue collected through the proposed levy would be used to support community services. Specific allocations to the Library and Parks & Recreation Departments would be directed as follows:
- Corvallis-Benton County Public Library - 51.9% of the revenue would go to support Library hours of operation, materials, programs, and outreach.
- Parks & Recreation Department - 48.1% of the revenue would be allocated to support operations at Osborn Aquatic Center, Corvallis Community Center, and the Majestic Theatre, as well as recreation services and park maintenance.
Q: What types of programs and services would be supported through the proposed measure?
A: The services and programs proposed to be funded by this measure include:
- Youth day camps, storytimes, family-friendly events, summer reading programs, fitness, enrichment and arts classes, computer literacy classes, teen- and senior-focused programs, volunteer opportunities, and swim lessons.
- Creative cultural and performing arts programming opportunities for all ages.
- Scholarships to income-eligible individuals, allowing an equity-focused delivery of community programs.
- Park maintenance, landscaping, and tree planting throughout Corvallis.
- Long-term management of more than 2,000 acres of parks and natural areas, including wildlife habitat, invasive species management, and public access to recreational trails.
- Stewardship of the Library’s collection of materials in a variety of formats for all ages.
- Library open hours spanning seven days a week.
Q. What would happen if the levy doesn’t pass?
A: If the measure doesn’t pass, the services would not be provided as proposed, and the current tax of $1.07 per $1000 of assessed property value would not continue. The current tax expires on June 30, 2024.
Q: What’s next?
A: The measure will appear on the ballot on November 7, 2023. To register to vote or check your registration status, go to https://sos.oregon.gov.
This information was reviewed by the Oregon Elections Division for compliance with ORS 260.432.
