City of Enumclaw asking voters for bond to build new community center
Proposition will appear on the April 23, 2024, special election ballot
The city is asking voters for a bond to fund a new multigenerational community center that will provide a safe environment for children, teens, young families, and seniors to connect with friends and access programs and services.
The city is growing with young families joining longtime residents, and the community center will offer sports and learning opportunities, space for community events, art performances and festivals, and a new senior center. The city’s senior population has outgrown the current senior center building built in 1927, which is now in need of major repairs that exceed the value of the building.
The city cannot finance the community center entirely through its general fund without making significant cuts to other city services, such as police, fire, planning, parks, streets, and sidewalks. Most community centers are funded through voter-approved bonds.
The bond requires a 60 percent supermajority plus a voter-turnout requirement known as “validation” – meaning 40 percent of ballots from last year’s general election must be returned for the measure to take effect. If the ballot return threshold is not met, the measure will not take effect, regardless of how many votes it gets, because not enough people turned out to vote. This means voter turnout matters.
If voters approve the bond, it will help the city leverage state grants and private donations to further reduce the cost for taxpayers. This includes a $1 million state grant the city has applied for in addition to another $3.35 million in city funds and grants identified for the project. This funding is contingent on the bond passing.
The bond is projected to cost $0.30 per $1,000 of assessed property value and would cost the owner of a $500,000 home $12.50 per month or $150 per year.
Learn more at www.cityofenumclaw.net.