The City of Stayton is seeking a five-year local option tax of $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value for continued funding support of the Stayton’s recreational amenities (swimming pool, parks, and trails) beginning in Fiscal Year 2021-22. The proposed tax will take the place of the existing four-year local option tax passed in 2016, which ends Fiscal Year 2020-21.
The levy is necessary to maintain services, operations, and assist with capital improvements for the Stayton Family Memorial Pool, parks, and trails. Lack of funding from a local option levy will have a significant impact on the City’s quality of life amenities. The Stayton Family Memorial Pool will remain closed indefinitely. The ongoing care and upkeep of parks will be limited and there will be no funding for park amenities or upgrades.
Due to the property tax limitations imposed by statewide Measures 47 and 50 in the mid-90s, the City cannot increase its established permanent tax rate, even if supported by a majority of citizens. Accordingly, the City must rely on voted local option tax levies to augment its operating budget.
Stayton’s first local option tax for the support of the library, pool, and parks was passed by voters in November 1998. Subsequent local option tax measures were passed in May 2002, May 2004, May 2008, May 2012, and May 2016.
At a tax rate tax of $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value, the average homeowner would see an estimated monthly fee of $7.43. The proposed rate will raise approximately $1,699,909 over the five years; an allowance has been made for uncollected taxes.