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Special District White Paper <br /> c <br /> Several approaches are possible and should be carefully considered. The revenue estimates for <br /> each example assume a 93% tax collection rate. <br /> Example 1: Formation of a New Park and Recreation District <br /> A group of electors may initiate a petition to form a new district with a boundary contiguous with the <br /> City's boundary. Alternatively, the Boundary Commission itself may initiate a formation process. An <br /> economic feasibility study and proposed permanent operating property tax rate limitation would also <br /> be prepared. A permanent operating tax rate limit using a portion of the unused constitutionally <br /> permitted maximum general government rate would be proposed. A tax rate of $1.21 per $1000 AV <br /> would generate net revenue of about $9.16 million annually for park and recreation services. This <br /> rate actually produces revenue far below the maximum amount allowed by the district's principal <br /> Act. <br /> The prospective petition must be filed with the County Clerk before being circulated. Signatures of <br /> at least 15% or 100 City voters, whichever is greater, must be obtained. Before submission of the <br /> petition to the Boundary Commission, the City Council must consent to allow the City territory to be <br /> included. The completed petition is submitted to the County Clerk who verifies the signatures. The <br /> County then would transfer the petition and supporting documentation to the Boundary <br /> Commission. <br /> After study of the petition and required public hearings, the Boundary Commission may reject the <br /> petition, modify the district's proposed boundary, or approve the petition as submitted. If the <br /> f ioe Boundary Commission takes favorable action, the measure would be returned to the County. The <br /> County may not change the Boundary Commission's determination. A single ballot question would <br /> be prepared, containing both the question of formation and the permanent tax rate limit. In this case <br /> of a new park and recreation district, candidates for the new district's board are also voted on in this <br /> election. <br /> The ballot measure must be placed on a primary or general election ballot. It would be subject to <br /> the Constitution's double majority requirements, unless it is on a general election ballot of an even <br /> numbered year. Passage of the ballot measure would authorize creation of the district, authorize <br /> the district collection of taxes within a maximum limit, and create a district board. <br /> If the measure succeeds at the polls, the newly elected district board would then meet and decide <br /> how best to fulfill the new district's purposes. The board may propose to lease or purchase park and <br /> recreation properties and facilities from the City and hire program staff. Alternatively, the board may <br /> decide to have an agreement or contract for provision of park and recreation services with another <br /> government or nonprofit agency. It is possible that the City of Eugene and the new district board <br /> may reach agreement for the City to continue to own and operate facilities and provide services <br /> with City staff, funded by the district. <br /> Example 2: Annexation to an Existing Park and Recreation District <br /> A petition by electors could propose to annex territory of the City to an existing district; either the <br /> Willamalane Park and Recreation District or the River Road Park and Recreation District. The <br /> annexation procedure may also be initiated by resolution of the affected park and recreation district, <br /> Special Districts Paper - Final 11- 8- 01.doc Page 29 of 41 <br /> City Council Agenda page 53 <br />