Parks, greenbelts, trees, open space, pools and recreation are all a very important part of the lifestyle in Davis and add to our property values. These facilities are mainly supported by the general fund and the special parcel tax for parks maintenance, which is due to expire.

The city of Davis has few big-box stores to contribute sales tax revenue to the city’s general fund. During this current drop in economic activity, the general fund has had a sharp reduction in revenue input, which has resulted in a reduction in almost all city services.

During fiscal year 2009-10, the Parks Department total maintenance costs were approximately $6 million, with $4.5 million coming from the general fund, $1.37 million from the special parcel tax and $200,000 from other sources.

Since then, the funds available for park maintenance have been reduced by approximately $1 million. The Parks Department has had to eliminate approximately nine full-time positions and funding for outside contractors who provide maintenance for portions of the parks and greenbelts. The list of deferred maintenance items for the parks and greenbelts is growing and additional sources of revenue to shorten this list have not been identified.

If passed by a two-thirds majority, Measure D on the June 5 ballot will continue to provide $1.37 million annually to maintain the parks at the existing levels. If Measure D fails, maintenance will be reduced, the deferred maintenance list will get longer, more facilities may have to close and recreation programs will be reduced.

The general fund income does not have the ability to properly fund park maintenance. This means Davis residents need to provide additional funding to support park maintenance, which will help maintain their property values.

Please vote yes on D and become an advocate for proper maintenance of our parks, so they will remain the pride of Davis far into the future.

Travie J. Westlund

Davis

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