The formula below demonstrates the cost of the bond to each property owner:
$0.82 x (each $1,000 of assessed value) = the cost to the tax payer each year
Below are three basic formula examples:
· $0.82 x 150 ($150,000 property) = $123 per year divided by 12 months = $10.25
· $0.82 x 175 ($175,000 property) = $143.50 per year divided by 12 months = $11.96
· $0.82 x 200 ($200,000 property) = $164 per year divided by 12 months = $13.66
These formulas describe the cost at the 2009 assessed property values.
Park Bond Exemption for Low-Income Seniors and Disabled Individuals
Low income seniors can qualify for a property tax exemption so that the bond would not affect their taxes. Seniors making less than $35,000 per year can qualify for an exemption with Spokane County that would make it so they would not have to pay the additional Park and Community Center Bond property taxes. Applications for the exemptions are available at www.spokanecounty.org/assessor.
The reasons why a swimming facility is not included in the first phase
In an effort to keep the Park and Community Center Bond affordable for the Cheney community a swimming facility has not be included in the first phase of the park development. We have recently made significant repairs to our Outdoor Pool which has both improved the efficiency and life span of our pool. For more information about why a swimming facility is not included in this phase please click HERE.
The Long Term Expense of Rebuilding the Wren Pierson Community Center
The City will receive insurance funding to replace the collapsed portion of the Wren Pierson Building and our choices are to re-build the Wren Pierson building like it was, however we are proposing to utilize the insurance re-imbursement as seed money to build a new community center. The trouble with re-building Wren Pierson is that the building is over 60 years old, and it is terribly expensive to maintain and operate. There are also several larger capital issues that will end up costing citizens in the long run. Some of these include replacing the 1947 boiler heating unit, painting the exterior of the building, updating the Senior Citizens room kitchen, and addressing the flat roof issue which led to the initial collapse. Additionally, the Park shop has leaked for a number of years and drastically needs to be repaired. Although the short-term expense of building a new community center is greater, the long term benefit would be good for our community both financially and in the services the City is able to provide. This is why City staff have decided to propose the Park and Community Center Bond to include a new community center this fall.
Location and Background of the 50 Acre Park Site
The 50 acre Park Site was purchased in 1997 with matching grant funds from the State of Washington’s Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO). The City of Cheney purchased this land with the intent of building a regional park site for the community. Since 1997, the City of Cheney has experienced tremendous growth and the current park system does not meet the demand for athletic fields or open space. The vision of this park was based on citizen input throughout a series of open houses and community surveys during the re-write of the Parks & Recreation Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and during the 50 acre Park Master Plan process. The future park site is located North side of Betz Road across the street and up the road from the Cheney Middle School. Please click this link to see a map of the Cheney Park system, including the undeveloped 50 acre park site.
Cheney Historical Museum / Cheney Food Bank / Cheney Outreach
These three organizations previously operated out of the basement of the Wren Pierson Community Center. Since the Community Center has closed, Outreach and Food Bank have been operating in temporary facilities and the Museum is still in storage. A portion of the Park and Community Center Bond funding will be utilized to ensure the Museum, Food Bank and Outreach are provided with a long term facility to provide these essential services to the community.
