Voters in Fayette County will vote on a new tax for public parks in November

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) – Voters in Fayette County will find an additional question at the end of their November ballot. The question asks for permission to introduce a new tax on public parks.

The tax would create $8 million in dedicated funding annually for more than 400 capital improvement projects in Lexington’s more than 100 parks, according toVote yes for parksa group formed to support the tax.

“The park-funded ballot referendum is critically important for Lexington,” said David Lowe, who led the ballot initiative. “The easiest way to think about it is that a referendum equates to special funding for parks.”

“This will enable investment in all corners of our city,” Lowe added. “Every park in our city will have the opportunity for funding.”

“(The tax) would provide $8 million annually for park improvements, literally in every corner of the city,” Lowe continued. “That can be very powerful. Investments can make neighborhoods safer, bring new jobs to the city and, of course, improve the quality of life for residents here in Lexington.”

How much would it cost?

The proposed tax is 2.25 cents for every $100 of assessed property. According to Vote Yes for Parks, that’s about $52.88 per year for the average homeowner in Fayette County.

What would it be used for?

The tax would not be used to fund the city’s entire parks departments. It would be used for capital improvement projects, such as new courts, trails, facilities and more.

of Lexington Parks master plan outlined more than 400 projects needing funding in parks across the province. According to Vote Yes For Parks, $123 million is needed to implement all the projects.

“Once the tax is in place, we can start tackling the 400 projects that have been waiting for about six years,” Lowe said. “So that’s really exciting.”

Don’t parks already receive funding?

According to city budget documents, the operating budget for the parks department is approximately $27 million. That money comes from the city’s general fund and would continue to do so even if the new tax passes.

The city has also used more than $24.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding for park improvements. But the federal money has now run out.

According to Lowe, borrowing money would cost the city because of interest. He also believes it is unlikely to raise $8 million in annual funds.

Do people use the parks?

Yes. According to the Parks Master Plan, 90% of Lexington residents use public parks. The plan also shows that more than 57% of Fayette County residents visit or use parks at least once a month.

Will the new tax pass?

The voters will decide that. However, data points toward its likely passage. According to the Trust for Public Land, public referendums to fund parks have an 83% success rate.

Asia Smith, a mother of three who frequents Lexington parks, told LEX 18 News she believes the tax is worth it.

“Parks are a big part of our lives,” she said. “As a parent, I can’t live without them. They keep me healthy and I think it’s important for children to be in nature.”

She believes the estimated cost of $52.88 is reasonable given how much people use parks.

“I mean, that’s a trip to McDonalds. We can do that,” she said. “We can do it.”

However, not everyone is in favor of the tax. While there is no organized group opposing the tax, some opposition has been expressed in neighborhood groups online.

One person wrote: “Why do homeowners have to foot the bill for all these things? I’m going to vote no. I hope other homeowners will follow suit.”

Another person wrote: “I have doubts. I have a house. Property taxes have skyrocketed, and I’m afraid once these taxes are on the books, nothing will stop them from raising them even more. I also wonder why the current budget cannot be better managed to take care of parks.”

They go on to say, “On the other hand, I do use the parks (pickleball!) and I believe investing in our parks, schools and infrastructure is essential. I don’t mind paying for things that benefit the public good.” good ones come (even if non-homeowners don’t pay for it, I think we all benefit from improving their lives).

When was the last time Fayette County voters raised a tax?

2004. Voters approved a new tax to support Lextran, the city’s public bus service.