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JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO:
Board of Commissioners
DATE:
September 7, 2010
FROM:
Philip Morley, County Adm;n;~trator
'-
RE:
Update on Negotiations for an Interlocal Agreement With the City of Port
Townsend Concerning Proposition 1, Memorial Field and the Recreation
Center: Possible Adoption
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The County is negotiating with the City of Port Townsend to develop an Interloca1 Agreement
(ILA) concerning funding for Memorial Field and the Port Townsend Recreation Center in the
event Proposition I is approved by the voters on November 2. Staff will present to the Board of
County Commissioners (HoCC) a status update on the negotiations, and if negotiations are
complete by September 7, the BoCC may consider approving the ILA.
ANALYSIS:
Memorial Field is central to the athletic programs for three school districts plus numerous local
sports leagues and sports camps, and is an important venue for events such as the Rhododendron
Festival Carnival, car rallies, and others.
County budget cuts eliminated regular County maintenance ofMemoria1 Field in 2010. These
cuts would have closed the facility, except for voluntary and temporary maintenance support
offered by the Port Townsend School District, Chimacum School District, Stapf Construction,
and numerous other organizations and individual volunteers. While this has allowed Memorial
Field to remain open in 2010, it is uncertain how long the facility can operate on voluntary labor.
The Port Townsend Recreation Center has historica11y provided an important, safe, supervised
and constructive environment for the youth of the City and the County to come to after school on
a drop-in basis, and to participate in classes and other structured recreation programs. The
Recreation Center also has historica11y been an important co=unity gynmasium facility for
youth and adults.
County budget cuts closed the Recreation Center to much of its normal operations starting in
2010, including discontinuing the before and after-school drop in program, and ending open
hours in the gynmasium.
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County revenue continues to fall behind the cost of existing programs and services, and
additional significant cuts will be necessary in 2011 and beyond. These additional cuts further
jeopardize continued operation of Memorial Field, the Recreation Center, and other County
parks and recreation programs.
The Board of County Commissioners adopted County Resolution 32-10 placing ballot measure
Proposition 1 on the November 2, 2010 ballot. Proposition 1 asks voters whether to approve an
increase in sales tax of 3/1 Olh of one percent (0.3%, equal to thirty cents tax per one hundred
dollar purchase) to fund public safety, youth and senior services, community services and basic
government public services. As specified in Resolution 32-10, the revenue from Proposition 1
would reduce cuts to the sheriff, prosecutor and other public safety services, youth programs,
juvenile services, senior services, community centers, public health and basic government
services. Port Townsend would receive 40% of the revenue by law. It would be used to support
similar services, including an agreement to dedicate a portion to support county parks and
recreation for up to four years.
In Resolution 32-10, the Board of County Commissioners states "the County intends to enter into
an interlocal agreement with the Citywhereby a portion of the City's share would be dedicated
for up to four years to Memorial Field and the Port Townsend Recreation Center to support and
restore their operation and maintenance, restore youth ai1:erschool programs, and provide capital
funds for repairs and improvements."
Similarly, the Port Townsend City Council adopted City Resolution 10-029, supporting placing
Proposition 1 on the November 2,2010 ballot, and directing the City Manager to negotiate the
terms of an inter10cal with the County on potential revenue sharing.
City and County representatives have been negotiating a draft Interlocal Agreement to define
how a portion of the City's Proposition 1 funds would, should Proposition 1 pass, be dedicated to
support operation and maintenance of Memorial Field and the Recreation Center, restore
progTllmming at the Rec Center, and help fund capital improvements to both facilities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Proposition 1 is estimated to generate approximately $425,000 per year for the City of Port
Townsend. Depending on the details in the !LA, City funds dedicated under !LA would be used
to resume normal operation and maintenance of Memorial Field and the Recreation Center,
restore prOgTllmming there, and help fund capital improvements to both facilities.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Board receive the update on City/County negotiations, give direction
as appropriate, and if a draft Interlocal Agreement is ready by September 7, consider the !LA for
potential adoption.
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Date
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