{"id":6906,"date":"2024-09-18T13:34:48","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T20:34:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/underwoodcommunity.org\/wp-ucc\/?p=6906"},"modified":"2024-10-30T15:56:16","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T22:56:16","slug":"proposition-1-underwood-park-tax-levy-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/underwoodcommunity.org\/wp-ucc\/proposition-1-underwood-park-tax-levy-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Proposition #1: A Tax Levy to Continue Support for Underwood Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A Levy to Continue Support for our Park<\/h1><\/span>
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Background<\/h1><\/span>
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In 2018, a tax levy was passed to support operations and improvements to the Underwood Community Center and Park. In the six years since that levy was passed, the community of Underwood and the UPRD have made tremendous strides in making the Community Center and Park a tremendous resource for residents of Underwood and the greater Gorge community at large. In November of 2024, Proposition #1 will be a measure on the ballot to continue on-going support and reliable funding for the Underwood Park and Recreation District in their effort to maintain and develop this exceptional community resource.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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YOUR LOCAL BALLOT BOX<\/h2><\/div>
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Underwood Park is home to a secure ballot box! Located on the east end of the parking lot of the Community Center, feel free to drop your ballots there through 8 pm on November 5, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Important FAQ’s<\/h1><\/span>
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<\/i><\/i><\/span>Why is a tax levy needed to support the UPRD and Underwood Park?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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This is not a new tax. It’s a ballot measure to renew an existing tax levy, which secures a modest, reliable income source for maintaining operations and services at the Underwood<\/a><\/span> Community Center and Park<\/a>. In November 2016, voters of Underwood created a park and recreation district and elected five commissioners to serve as stewards of the property when the community center building and grounds were heading for the county surplus list and slated to be torn down. In 2018, a small tax levy was passed to support operations at the park. With a modest amount of funding secured, ownership of the Underwood Park property and buildings was officially deeded to residents of Underwood in 2019.<\/p>\n

But with ownership came responsibility for all the expenses formerly paid by the county. Insurance, utilities, and repairs must be paid by the UPRD and any future improvements. The UPRD budget<\/a> is available and shows that the rental income and usage fees generated by the buildings and property will not cover those expenses. During COVID-19, rental income went to nearly zero. Covid has shown us that we need a modest amount of tax income to pay the PUD, insurance bills, etc. Donations and grants will only add an irregular amount of income to the UPRD bank account. The need for regular, reliable income to fund Underwood Park’s operation is now clearer than ever before.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>What programs and services are offered by the Underwood Park and Recreation District (UPRD)?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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The Underwood Park is so much more than a public outdoor place for gathering! Our property is home to a children\u2019s playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, a community garden and resource room, baseball and soccer fields, an RC arena, covered picnic areas, a community BBQ, and a community center with a gym, stage, kitchen and meeting room for community events and programming. The UPRD also manages the rental cottage and post office building on park grounds, next to the community center and playground.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Why is this tax levy so important?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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