Support petition to dissolve local recreation district

Dear editor,

Once again the community is at odds with the WECRD and their ever changing plans to build a recreation facility and sustain it. The size and cost has changed multiple times over the last 15 years.

Their latest plan is to build a $5 million plus facility with the tax dollars they have saved, charge a monthly membership fee for those who want to use the facility (only about 10% of the district households), and have the YMCA ("Y") operate it.

Operating costs are estimated to be $590,000 annually. (Sorry, folks, the long-promised, much desired indoor pool is OUT. It adds another $5 million to the building and $700,000 to the operating costs/year.

The WECRD finally recognizes that the aquatic center is not possible, at least not in this phase per the WECRD website).

They anticipate 700 memberships, which they expect will generate about $340,000 in membership fees. The annual deficit of $250,000 required for operating monies are expected to come from the WECRD's "revenue stream" -- OUR tax dollars. Shortfalls could be made up by donations, which is the way the "Y" routinely handles the annual deficits at their facilities. They are seasoned, expert fund raisers!

Even now, the WECRD and "Y" are actively involved in an $850,000 capital campaign, seeking donations to add to the approximately $450,000/year they collect in taxes from home owners and business owners. The 2012 Shaw Snow Feasibility Study recommends a $600,000 capital campaign but they are opting to go for more.

That is the amount they claim to need in order to break ground and build "debt free".

This facility, built with tax dollars and run by a non-profit, would directly compete with our local businesses already providing the same or similar services, such as, fitness facilities, child care providers, and others. The "Y" knows that the cardio and fitness machines are essential to gain and maintain memberships and generate revenue. Eliminating them from the building is not an option for them.

Our for-profit businesses, developed and grown by entrepreneurs with their own money, have provided valuable services to our community for many years. Competition on a level playing field is fair, but using their own tax dollars against them in conjunction with a non-profit, is not.

How can we expect to attract businesses to Mountain Home if we allow our taxes to be used to jeopardize our existing businesses? It is just plain wrong!

Over the last 15 years, the WECRD has provided limited funding for a few community recreation projects coordinated by other organizations. For a short time they offered some funding to help non-profit youth groups through "Let's Play," but that ended several years ago. Amazingly, the community has allowed this!

Why? Because Parks and Rec, using city tax dollars and generating revenue through their low cost programs, has been providing quality recreation. Stan Franks and the Mountain Home Parks and Recreation staff deserve a heartfelt congratulations and thanks.

No one can stretch a tax dollar quite as far as Stan! He does a lot with the $623,725 budget ($350,000 generated through programs + $273,725 from tax revenue) allocated for recreation -- including the city pool (from the Mountain Home city website proposed Budget FY 2014-15 and confirmation with Stan).

He and his people listen to the community and offer programs to meet the needs. They partner with businesses and individuals to provide free or greatly reduced programs. They offer flexible payment plans to seniors on fixed incomes, making it possible for them to participate in trips and activities.

They look for ways to improve their services. They make a concerted effort to respect our local businesses and avoid duplication. They fill the gaps in recreation rather than compete.

Let me share some facts from the recreational portion of the Mountain Home Parks and Recreation 2014

Overview: It's impressive!

Non-Pool Recreation Programs:

402 -- Total programs

205 -- Different programs (84 Adult, 109 Youth, 15 family)

61-- NEW programs

15 -- Environmental programs

35 -- Average programs/month

TOTAL -- Over 11,000 participants (3,700+ adults; 5,000+ youth; 1,000 families)

919 Average participants/month

Pool programs:

Nearly 20,000 participants in 327 programs

313 total swim lessons -- 1,178 participants

476 participants in themed family pool parties

382 lap swimmers

Added in 2014: Special needs lessons and (water) aerobics

What programs will the "Y" be offering? Excellent question, but no real answers. The reality is that our community already has an abundance of established recreational programs.

Thanks to the numerous non-profit organizations and Parks and Rec., our youth, adults, and families can choose from a long list of activities.

So where does that leave the "Y"? Will they again duplicate what already exists in our community (our fitness and child care businesses)? Possibly not, since our population is a limiting factor.

Will they pressure city leaders to make Parks and Rec hand over key, long-term programs, to the "Y"? Most likely.

How will our non-profits fare in all of this? What will YOU get for your WECRD tax dollars if you choose not to join the 'Y" and pay the monthly membership fee? NOTHING!

This will be the first time in Idaho history that a Recreation District has agreed to build the "Y" a building (still actually owned by the WECRD/tax payers) and turn over tax dollars to them to operate it. How can these other 30 plus recreation districts possibly function and provide recreation to their communities when they don't have a "Y"?

The answer is "Quite well" -- and for a lot less money!

The "Y" may have a great reputation, but the value it would bring to our community comes with a very high price tag and many restrictions. It's not the right fit! We already have top-notch recreation leaders and volunteers.

Facilities and programs can always be improved, but the proof is in quality, quantity and utilization of the programs already offered. Everyone has access to these programs at a reasonable price on a fee for service basis -- no membership required. There are mechanisms to help those who can't afford to pay full price.

The City of Mountain Home is negotiating a multi-year contract with St. Luke's Medical Center for the large building currently utilized by Parks and Rec. as a recreation facility. Let's protect our businesses and support the recreation teams who have served us faithfully and well.

Fifteen years and $5 million -- it's time to dissolve the WECRD and put the money to use in our community and move on! Sincerely,

-- Judy Mayne