| EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY |
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CONTACT: |
Kim van Ekstrom, 425-556-2419 |
| 7/24/2007 |
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Marta Gronlund, 425-638-2333 |
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Police and Fire Levy and Parks Levy Residents who want to learn more about the City of Redmond property tax levy ballot measures are encouraged to attend an informational community meeting on Tuesday, July 31 beginning at 7:30 pm in Redmond City Hall Council Chambers, 15670 NE 85th Street.
City officials will provide brief background information about both Proposition 1 and 2 in order to clarify facts about the ballot measures. Then the floor will be opened for questions from the audience.
The meeting will also be cablecast live from Redmond’s Council Chambers on RCTV 21.
The growth of Redmond’s residential and employment population has significantly increased demands on public safety and parks and recreation programs. The City relies on property taxes to provide these and other basic services.
“Both these propositions are designed to fund very specific public safety and parks and recreation needs,” said Mayor Rosemarie Ives. “Residents should be well-informed in order to make the best decision for themselves and their community on August 21.”
If approved, Proposition 1 will raise $4.9 million to fund critical public safety needs such as:
• 18 new firefighters to support fire and aid car operations at the Overlake Fire Station #12 and at the planned North Redmond Station #17
• 17 new police personnel to support police operations and programs, including a regular police presence in the public schools as part of a comprehensive school safety program
If approved, Proposition 2 will raise $609,000 to fund operations and maintenance of park facilities and programs such as:
• Maintenance and operations of parks and natural areas
• Teen center operation seven days a week with expanded programs
• After-school programs for elementary and junior high aged children
• Develop City parks to meet the needs of a growing population
• Improved stewardship of natural areas, habitat and forest lands
If both propositions are approved, the levy rate would increase from $1.18 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to $1.58 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
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