The WECRD And OUR Booty And Their Plans For The Next 12 Years

AAARGGGH. WALK THE PLANK TO HIGHER TAXES!

The WECRD has ELECTED to NOT follow the recommendation of the CLDC with respect to the proposed "recreation facility" for MH contrary to what they promised the public. The CLDC recommendation was this:

1. To pay the money for a study to determine if enough money could be raised through DONATIONS (6.5 million) to build a full blown facility with the works (pools, gyms, etc.--Option 3).

2. If enough funds could be raised--build Option 3.

"WECRD decision on YMCA/CLDC Recommendation: at a Special Meeting on September 29th, Billie Bernasconi, Vice President of the Treasure Valley YMCA, presented the Board the CLDC recommendation. The recommendation stated that the WECRD should Continue the contract with the YMCA to conduct a Capital Feasibility Study for Option 3 along with exploring other partnerships and sources of revenue." (Directly from October 6, 2010 WECRD Board Meeting Minutes)

A re-cap of what the WECRD promised the public in case you, the taxpayer, forgot:

"Director Borgholthaus explained that, even though the Feasibility Study is costly, the YMCA told her it is a necessary step in the progression of evaluating what this community can afford, and what revenue resources are available. Director Marsh stated that the process with the YMCA and CLDC has been a public driven process. She said that the results of the Market Study showed what the community wants in terms of a recreation center and the WECRD should give the people a chance to make that happen. President Sellers remarked on what she felt were inequities during the YMCA consultation process. She said that, while everyone had access to WECRD meetings, the WECRD Board members were not allowed to participate in any CLDC meetings. President Sellers reminded the audience of the promise that was made at the beginning of the YMCA Consultation process that the WECRD will follow the recommendation of the YMCA/CLDC. President Sellers made a motion to follow the recommendation of the CLDC/YMCA and move to the next steps in the process. Motion was seconded by Director Borgholthaus. A vote was taken with all Directors in favor of the motion. Motion carried." (Directly from October 6, 2010 WECRD Board Meeting Minutes)

Well, the WECRD, contrary to their promises, has ELECTED to pay the money for the study ($20,000-$60,000) AND BUILD A PHASED FACILITY. The CLDC never considered a phased facility when they made their recommendation nor is that what was presented after more than a year and a half of work by the CLDC (those on the CLDC were volunteers and donated all time).

So, here are some of the results from all of the work done by the CLDC over the last 1.5 (plus) years and what the Mountain Home News has ELECTED not to tell its public:

1. For the "cheapest" option, Option 1 (no pool), the WECRD is short $1.6 million (nearly 3 years of taxes at the CURRENT rate).

2. Taxes are projected to be increased by the WECRD until at least 2023 in order to build Option 3.

3. Option 3 is projected to run at a LOSS of nearly $300,000 PER YEAR!

4. 50% of the 400 people who responded in the "survey" felt that the fees projected for Option 3 ($68.00 PER MONTH) WERE TOO HIGH. 44% felt they were about right. 1% responded too low. 5% did not know or refused to respond.

5. "Given Option 3 facility and membership fees, how likely is it that at least one family member in your household would be a member of the proposed rec. (recreation) center?"

Definately-27%

Probably-25%

Might or Might Not-17%

Probably Not-14%

Definitely Not-16%

6. Income levels of those 400 in the above "survey":

Under $25,000-- 15%

$25,000-$50,000-- 25%

$50,000-$75,000-- 26%

$75,000-$100,000-- 18%

$100,000 or more-- 9%

Did Not Know/Refused-- 6%

It is projected that there are 7,298 households in the WECRD District. Of those, 1,305 are projected to join the proposed recreation center.

So, in short...the WECRD plans to build a huge facility that few in this community plan to use BUT EVERYONE (within the WECRD District) WILL BE TAXED FOR. It is currently projected to take AT LEAST 12 YEARS to build Option 3. Does this seem like a GOOD use of your money for what will equate to nothing more than a pulicly funded country club for the few that plan to join that will operate in the RED year after year?

Come on folks! Make these people accountable. Education is in the toilet and we plan to spend money on this? Marsha and Jana stated during their election that they intended to do away with the taxes to support this yet their plan includes tax INCREASES and taxes for at least the next 12 years. In addition, the YMCA figures indicate this facility will NEVER be able to run without a tax subsidy.

FEEL DUPED YET??????????? You had better watch your "booty" as the WECRD plans to reach deep into your back (and front) pockets at least for the next 12 years!