Summary
Portland voters will decide on a property tax increase to fund the city's parks and recreation services. The measure, if approved, will extend and increase the existing park levy, potentially affecting both residential and commercial property taxes. The funds are meant to address maintenance and service costs for city parks and amenities, which are currently in poor condition.
Key Facts
- The proposed tax measure is called Measure 26-260.
- It aims to extend Portland's existing parks levy for five more years.
- The levy would increase by 75%, going from 80 cents to $1.40 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
- Homeowners would pay an extra $133 annually, resulting in a total of $310.
- Commercial property owners would pay an additional $188, totaling $439.
- The funds are needed to address a maintenance backlog estimated between $550 million and $800 million.
- Portland Parks & Recreation reports 86% of its assets are in poor or very bad condition.
- If the measure fails, the bureau might cut operations and staff by up to 50%.
