Drafter
Clerk 4/2/2007
Title
AN ORDINANCE providing for the submission to the qualified electors of King County at a special election to be held on August 21, 2007, of a proposition to fund acquisition and development of regional parks and open space by authorizing a regular property tax levy in excess of the limitations contained in chapter 84.55 RCW, for a consecutive six-year period at a rate of not more than $0.05 per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation in the first year and using the consumer price index to establish the limit factor for the levy in years two through six, for the purpose of expanding parks and recreation opportunities through the acquisition of open space and regional trails, and increased education programs and facilities at Woodland Park Zoo; and providing for other related matters.
Body
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. Finding.
A. King County owns and operates a park system with over twenty-five thousand acres of regional parks and open spaces and over one hundred seventy-five miles of regional trails. In addition, the county is the provider of local parks in the rural area and is the transitional provider of local parks in the urban unincorporated areas. County parks and open spaces include Marymoor park, Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland park, the King County Aquatic Center and portions of the Burke-Gilman trail.
B. Since 2003, on recommendation of the Metropolitan Parks Task Force and direction from the county executive and county council, the parks and recreation division has focused on managing a system of regional parks, open spaces and trails and a limited set of regional active recreation assets.
C. Consistent with its role as a regional and local rural service provider under Countywide Planning Policies and the state growth management act, the county has divested itself of local parks and facilities in urban unincorporated areas as these areas incorporate or annex to cities.
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