CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - With high hopes and due diligence, the cash-strapped Carmichael Recreation and Park District got Measure G – a General Obligation Bond – on the November ballot. The initiative asks the community to approve a tax to fund parks and park facility improvement.

Voter-approval nevertheless provides no guaranty of success. Many recall a similar 2014 process. More than 50 percent of district constituents voted for a tax-payer assessment. Initial monies were already collected when a private lawsuit overturned the voters’ choice. One of few Sacramento area park districts without an improvement measure, CRPD has since struggled mightily. Many facilities are outdated or inadequate; renovations are desperately needed.

CRPD Advisory Board Chair Joyce Carroll champions the “Say yes on Measure G” initiative. Carroll considers this new funding critical to Carmichael’s 13 parks. “Without it,” she says, “Existing facilities will continue to deteriorate and park user experience will suffer.”

The Carmichael Times asked the following questions:

Q: Why does Measure G have a fighting chance for success where the previous effort was quashed?
Carroll: “This time we have a broader base of support. Already, we have scores of community members, neighborhood associations, elected officials, educators and businesspeople who publicly endorse Measure G.”

Q: Could voter approval again be overturned?
Carroll: “There are no guarantees. However, Measure G committee members and our financial advisory consultant have met with the Sacramento Taxpayers Association. Its directors voted to not oppose Measure G. With their input, and with the establishment of a citizens’ oversight committee, we’re confident a voter decision would stand.”

Q: Over 26,500 voters live within CRPD borders. How would bond contributions be assessed?
Carroll: “A tax is calculated on the assessed value of all properties (home, business and agricultural) within park district boundaries. The rate is $19 per year, for each $100,000 of assessed value. Remember, it’s based on the County’s assessment – not on market value. General Obligation Bonds are typically structured to be paid over 30 years.”

Q: If this Measure is critical, how is CRPD managing without it?
Carroll: “Not easily. We prioritize improvements according to urgency. Our incredibly skilled staff has managed to complete critical projects in-house. They’ve accomplished roof repairs, HVAC replacements and retaining wall construction, saving many thousands of dollars in outside contractor costs. Community partners such as Carmichael Parks Foundation have fundraised energetically. Service Clubs, neighborhood groups and individual donors have been generous.”

 Q: Nobody likes new taxes. Why should we vote for this one?
Carroll: “Parks are good for everyone. They improve our wellbeing. They increase the value of homes.  General Obligation Bonds have safeguards.  Money must be spent locally. A citizen’s oversight committee ensures these taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately.”

Q: How are you campaigning for community approval?
Carroll: Measure G committee members reach out at every opportunity. We’re at food truck events and concerts. We meet with business groups; service clubs; veterans; neighborhood meetings – we’ll talk to anyone who’s interested – just ask us. We use social media, fliers, mailers and word of mouth. At a recent farmers market, 67 people offered names to publicly endorse Measure G. Another seven volunteered to help us promote it.

“We feel the community wants parks improved for future generations to enjoy. Our initiative is one of the last on the November ballot – we urge people to look for Measure G and vote yes.”

The Measure G Committee welcomes community support. For information, go to https://m.facebook.com/YESonGforCarmichael/