Passage of South Suburban ballot questions will have short and long-term impact

Voters OK extension of bond issues without raising taxes

BY PETER JONES
NEWS EDITOR

South Suburban Parks and Recreation will be able to maintain the status quo on parks and other facilities while keeping an eye on the future. Voters handily approved two ballot issues that will allow the special district to maintain and improve its services to the community without raising taxes.

On Nov. 7, 79 percent of voters favored Ballot Issue 4B, an extension of the district’s 1-mill levy approved in 2010 and its 2-mill levy approved in 2014, which were both due to expire in 2020 and 2024, respectively. If they had not been extended, tax revenue for SSPR’s maintenance and operations would have been reduced 40 percent over the next seven years, according to district officials.

Additionally, 70 percent of voters approved 4C, which allows the district to extend its existing bond-repayment mill levy in support of additional capital projects—and that is where the district’s future comes in.

“This is a huge and important win,” Board Chair John Ostermiller said. “We are very pleased with the results of the election and we thank the voters of the district for their continuing trust and support of South Suburban. I believe the positive outcome reflects the high level of confidence residents have in South Suburban, its staff and the district’s overall contributions to the south metro area.”

District officials say the passage of 4B means SSPR can budget well into the future while maintaining and improving such popular amenities as the High Line Canal, Lee Gulch, Mary Carter Greenway, Big Dry Creek and Willow Creek. 4B will also fund the repairing and improving of parks, recreation facilities and playgrounds, while replacing outdated mechanical equipment and inefficient park-irrigation systems.

Officials say 4C will enable SSPR to focus on building and enhancing amenities while constructing a new indoor multi-generational facility with turf fields. Potential bond projects tied to the passage include major improvements to Goodson Recreation Center and 10 playgrounds, upgrades to tennis courts, and renovations to athletic fields and new trail projects. For a complete list of potential projects visit, bit.ly/2018-bond-projects.

South Suburban’s Executive Director Rob Hanna called the election a win-win for everyone.

“We’re excited to plan for the future and move forward on projects related to sustainability and trail connections, as well as facility enhancements,” he said. “We are very grateful to have earned the trust of our residents.”