Thank you to Land Use and Transportation Chair, Stephenie F., for putting together this Pros and Cons information sheet for Measure 26-213.

PROS AND CONS OF MEASURE 26-213:  OPERATING LEVY FOR PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION

Without a new path to funding, Portland Parks & Recreation cannot offer its valued programs, reopen community centers, or protect our parks and trees.

The operating levy on the November 3^rd ballot (Measure 26-213) would provide that new path.  It would open the community centers and pools, lower or eliminate program fees for low-income families, protect park trees, and keep the parks litter free.

It comes at a cost, of course:  $.80 per $1,000 of assessed value per year.    To find the assessed value of your house or other property, go to www.portlandmaps.com.  Enter the address and press return. Click on “Assessor” in the side window.  

To calculate your annual payment, divide the assessed value by 1,000.  Multiply the result by 0.8 ; for example:  

Assessed value: $120,000
Divided by 1,000 = $120
$120 multiplied by .8 =  $96 annually
$ 96 divided by 12 =  $8 per month

Some property owners are already paying the full amount of property taxes specified by law.  In their case, they would not pay additionally for the parks levy; the levies that are already part of their tax bills would be “compressed” (that is, receive somewhat less revenue) to make room for the Parks & Recreation levy. 

The five-year life of the parks levy would provide time in which to find a permanent, sustainable solution for funding our parks.  

Brentwood-Darlington is rich in parks, which we need even more in the time of Covid-19.

Keep in mind Harney, Flavel, Hazeltine, Brentwood, and Errol Height parks as you contemplate this measure.  Keep in mind as well that low-income families who like to use the pools and programs at Mt. Scott Community Center would find the fees lowered or eliminated.

See below for the official fact sheet from Portland Parks and Recreation.