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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE SEPTEMBER 23 PARKS AND <br /> RECREATION BOND REFERENDUM <br /> <br />THE ISSUE: Citizens living within the boundaries of Elk River will have the opportunity on <br />September 23, 1997 to vote on the following question: "Shall the City of Elk River, <br />Minnesota, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed <br />$2,000,000 to defray the expense of the acquisition, construction, equipping and betterment <br />of public park and recreational facilities for the City?" <br /> <br />Vote at your regular polling place. For questions on where you vote, please call 441-7420 <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: The City currently has more than 700 acres of parkland concentrated in 23 <br />different sites. In the past the Park and Recreation Commission has worked primarily to acquire <br />new sites. According to a survey commissioned last spring by the City Council, residents feel that <br />the time has come to develop and improve existing parks. <br /> <br />The survey results indicated the need for permanent restrooms and shelters, neighborhood parks <br />and equipment(swingsets, hard surfaced courts and playground equipment) and additions to the <br />city's biking and hiking trails. There was significant support for adding park land and for <br />improving existing playing fields. Respondents to the survey were willing to support a modest <br />increase(under 30 dollars) in their property taxes. <br /> <br />COST TO CITY PROPERTY OWNERS: The average home in Elk River has a market value <br />of $105,000. A citizen with a home with this value will pay $29 per year for 20 years. A <br />commercial property owner will pay the same rate. Other sample increases include: <br /> <br />Market Value Dollars of Tax Increase Market Value Dollars of Tax Increase <br />$50,000 $14 $200,000 $57 <br />$75,000 $21 $400,000 $113 <br />$125,000 $35 $600,000 $170 <br />$150,000 $42 $1,000,000 $283 <br /> <br />THE REFERENDUM INCLUDES: <br /> <br />***Construction of a teen center in Lions Park, in partnership with the Elk <br /> River Lions. <br /> <br />***Playground equipment installed or enhanced at 8 existing sites. In addition, <br /> half basketball courts will be added to 5 existing sites. <br /> <br />***Permanent restrooms and/or shelters at 5 locations: Woodland Trails Park, <br /> Orono Softball Complex, Orono Park, Oak Knoll Park, and the Elk River Youth <br /> Athletic Complex. <br /> <br />Continued on back page <br /> <br /> <br />