HENDERSON, Nev. (FOX5) — The City of Henderson is asking voters to determine the future of its parks and recreation programs with their primary ballots.
Ballot Question 1 asks residents to renew a property tax that currently provides more than a third of the parks department’s funding. Supporters call it an investment in residents’ quality of life, but opponents question its actual value.
What’s on the ballot
The ballot question asks: “Shall the City of Henderson be authorized to maintain a tax rate $0.12 per $100.00 of assessed valuation for a period of 30 years to be used to fund the costs of operating and maintaining of City parks and recreational facilities.”
The cost for the owner of a new $100,000 home is estimated to be up to $42.00 per year. Tax rates will not be increased as a result of the approval of this question.
Support from first responders
Henderson Fire Captain Robert Uzinski said he first signed off on the tax in 1997 and he’s ready to sign off on it again.
“So I was actually a person that voted for this 30 years ago when I was single. I have since gotten married, I’ve raised my family here, and I’ve used everything that the Parks and Rec Department has to offer, from its facilities to its programs, all sorts of things,” Uzinski said.
The measure enjoys strong backing from Henderson Professional Firefighters Local 1883. Zach Davis is its president.
“So, as a union, we looked at it and said, how do we make sure that our community is healthy? How do we make sure they’re supported?” Davis said.
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For Davis, it’s an issue of public safety.
“I’ve been given so many opportunities for myself going to the parks and, you know, my kids learn how to do ISR, Infant Swim Rescue. And I don’t get as nervous when I go to the pools because I know my kids are well-trained swimmers. And I look at all those things. All that swimming is taking place at these rec centers,” Davis said.
Davis also touts the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in the city’s parks.
Opposition concerns
Opponents question whether the purported benefits actually impact property values. They question the wisdom of approving a tax for a 30-year period without periodic reassessment, or prescribed oversight for the way it’s spent.
The firefighters said the parks and rec department has been very wise with the money.
“It is money that was earmarked and you can see and you can touch and you can experience where that money’s gone,” Uzinski said.
Opponents said a no vote presents an opportunity for the community members to take a more active role in how and where their tax dollars are being spent.
Uzinski disagreed.
“The city knows what its citizens want and they do everything in their power to back it and support it. This question is just another opportunity for people to help support the mission,” Uzinski said.
Parks and recreation by the numbers
Last year Henderson Parks and Rec provided more than 470,000 meals to the very young and the very old. It also offered more than 7,600 classes, and welcomed more than 6,000 players to more than 3,700 games.
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