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Survey Backs County Park Tax

Survey Backs County Park Tax image
Parent Issue
Day
5
Month
February
Year
1975
Copyright
Copyright Protected
Rights Held By
Donated by the Ann Arbor News. © The Ann Arbor News.
OCR Text

Results of a U-M survey last summer of recreation attitudes and interests are expected to have a major impact on the future of the county's Parks and Recreation Commission. First, county commissioners are busy studying one aspect of survey results before they decide tonight whether to seek additional millage this year for parks and recreation. Those results, although dependent on numerous variables, indicate that county residents are willing to pay for some forms of recreational programs and development. Second, according to Parks and Recreation Director Robert R. Gamble, survey results will be used to develop a program proposal that residents want and will support. Without millage, the Parks Commission - with a $72,000 budget this year - acts as a maintenance organization over about 230 acres of developed county park land. But survey results indicate that residents feel existing county parkland is not enough. In order to increase programs, according to Gamble, additional money is necessary. The survey, commissioned last summer, was conducted by the U-M's Institute for Social Research (ISR). Based on selections from lists of registered county voters, ISR asked some 1, 357 residents and voters to answer a lengthy questionnaire regarding recreational interests and their willingness to support, with additional tax dollars, new programs and expansion of facilities. More than 800 residents responded. That represents some 61 per cent of those surveyed. This response itself is significant, according to survey Director Jerome Johnston. "This rate is higher than expected, based on similar surveys," Johnston writes. "It indicates a high degree of interest in recreation among Washtenaw County voters." Between 65 and 74 per cent of those responding said that they would favor parks millage amounting to one-quarter mill. Although most said they would support one-half mill, the percentage of potential support was less. That's why the Parks and Recreation Commission has asked commissioners to consider putting the one-quarter mill proposal on an April 7 ballot. The commission wants approval of one-quarter mill over five years. This would generate about $450,000 per year and would cost the average taxpayer about 25 cents for each $1,000 of assessed valuation. A one-half mill proposal would have generated about $900,000 per year, with taxpayers paying about 50 cents for each $1,000 of assessed valuation. But county officials are approaching these survey results cautiously. Gamble said he's "the first to admit" that the survey was completed before the county felt the impact of the nationwide economic slump. "And we also must remember that election results are determined by who votes," the parks director added. "This would not be a general election in most parts of the county. The parks issue would be the only item on the ballot in many townships. "Therefore, voter turnout could be light. And there is a chance that those supporting more parks and recreation won't turn out to vote," Gamble continued. Nevertheless, Gamble agrees with his commission that "this is the year" to seek millage. He notes that most successful national and state parks programs began in depressed or recession economies. "And the longer we wait," Gamble adds, "land costs go up and up. April 7 also is a good date because we would be conflicting with few, if any, other requests for money." Gamble's mention of land costs is significant when considering other aspects of the ISR survey results. "Surprisingly," according to Gamble, county residents' first priority is "purchasing and preserving lands with woods, hills and lakes." "In a survey like this, you are somewhat apprehensive about the results. People generally want something immediately usable," Gamble said. "This is surprising and refreshing to see preservation with a high priority." The priority items selected in the survey will be incorporated "in some way" into a proposal that the Parks and Recreation Commission would present before a millage vote, Gamble said. According to Gamble, the survey's priority list "seems to fit the desires and needs" of all areas. The apparent county priorities, in order, are: purchase and preservation, playgrounds for children, quiet places to be alone out-of-doors, senior citizens programs, trails for horseback riding, bicycling and cross-country skiing, nature trails, beaches, picnicking and swimming. All of these, Gamble said, will be incorporated "in some form" in a program that will be outlined before a millage election. "We can't be too specific before we have the money," Gamble said. The Board of Commissioners meets at 7 p.m. today in courtroom 4 at the county building.