Editor's Note: The parks referendum failed by a wide margin.

My office has been receiving numerous calls regarding the Park Tax Referendum. The purpose of this message is to share questions and provide reliable information regarding the Referendum. The Referendum is an important issue and voters deserve accurate information.

The question as it will appear on the November 4th ballot reads " Are you in favor of the proposal entitled City-County Parks Referendum authorizing a tax on all property of five cents ($0.05) on each one hundred dollars ($100) worth of property assessed for local taxation inthe district? Funds generated are for improving, maintaining and purchasing public park property in accordance with KRS 97.590."

Some of the questions we have received are:

Q: By what authority is the Referendum placed on the ballot?

A: Kentucky Law {KRS 97.590) permits jurisdictions to levy a property tax not exceeding five cents per hundred dollars on all property for a public parks tax. Earlier this year, over 3100 voters signed a petition requiring the issue be placed on the ballot for voter consideration.

Q: What type of property will be subject to the park tax?

A: Many believe the only property to be taxed is real estate. The petition and the Referendum question clearly say ALL property, which means all property currently subject to local property taxes. This includes, but is not limited to, real estate, motor vehicles, boats, motorcycles, farm equipment, aircraft,and business inventory.

Q: How can I estimate how much I will owe in taxes each year if the Referendum passes?

A: Add the taxable value of your real estate with your automobiles and other personal property then multiply that amount by .0005.

Q: Will the park tax question only be on the ballot for those living in the City of Murray?

A: The answer is no. Every registered voter in Calloway County will have the opportunity to vote on the Referendum. Ifthe Referendum passes, everyone in Calloway County that owns property
will pay this tax. The Referendum is located at different places on the ballot depending on whether you live in the City or County. The question will read exactly the same on both ballots.

Q: Will there be an end date to the tax?

A: No. In some instances there is a sunset provision that defines a period for which the tax will be collected. This Referendum question does not include a sunset provision, it is a permanent tax.

Q: What are the roles of the Fiscal Court and City Council in a taxing district?

A: Taxing districts are governed by an appointed Board of Directors. Local elected officials have little authority over established districts. The board will have the final decision regarding how the money is spent.

Q: Who will appoint the board members?

A: The current structure of the park is based upon an agreement between City and County government, with each providingfunding from the general fund. The agreement provides that two Fiscal Court members, two City Council members, four County appointed members, and four City appointed members make up the current Park Board. I am unclear at this time how and by whom, the taxing district board will be appointed. Iam reasonably sure the current board structure as defined in the agreement, will be changed. There are currently three county wide taxing districts in Calloway County, the Library, health and the Extension Service. Appointments to those boards are made under the authority of KRS 67.710 (8) by the Judge Executive with approval of the Fiscal Court( Health appointed by State). My office is still trying to get
clarification regarding the appointments of board members. It is likely, as a county wide taxing district, board appointments will be made by authority of this statute.

Q: How much tax revenue willthis generate for the Park each year?

A: According to the revised estimates, using current property values established by the Kentucky Department of Revenue, it will generate approximately 1.1million dollars per year. This estimate will change as property values go up or down.

Q: Will the City and County continue to appropriate funds from their general fund budgets for the Park?

A: If the park tax is approved and when it is fully implemented, park revenue will increase between three and four hundred percent. Final County budgets are determined by the Fiscal Court. The budget Ipresent for consideration by the Magistrates will not include an appropriation from the County budget if the Referendum is approved. City government's involvement will be determined by the Murray City Council.

Q: Will the Park close or will services be drastically reduced if the park tax doesn't pass?

A: Murray Calloway County Park is one of the nicest parks in the region. It has succeeded in every sense as a public/ private partnership. It has amenities that you won't find in a lot of parks. In 2013, the Park was voted Outstanding Parks Department by the Kentucky Rec and Parks Society. Some organizations, in the spirit of negative campaigning,have distributed campaign signs with the theme "Save Our Parks", apparently believing that rather than clearly explaining what the long range goals are, it would be more effective to scare people. It is hard for me to believe the Park has deteriorated so much in a little over a year that it needs to be "saved".

Voters should be advised Calloway County Fiscal Court does not have authority over this issue.

The voters will ultimately decide if the taxing district is approved. We do, however, feel voters should be properly informed and feel an obligation to answer their questions.


Larry Elkins
Calloway Judge Executive