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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE SEPTEMBER 23 PARKS AND <br /> RECREATION BOND REFERENDUM • <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 /> Vote at your regular polling place. For questions on where you vote, please call 441-7420 <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 /> 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 /> 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 /> 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 /> THE REFERENDUM INCLUDES: <br /> ***Construction of a teen center in Lions Park, in partnership with the Elk <br /> River Lions. <br /> ***Playground equipment installed or enhanced at 8 existing sites. In addition, <br /> half basketball courts will be added to 5 existing sites. <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 /> Continued on back page <br /> • <br />