Proposed property tax to pay for parks

A propert tax increase is on the ballot this November in order to pay for Rochester parks.

Katie lange.

And i'm george mallet./// there are a lot of big decisions voters will be faced with during the election this november... picking the next president, as well as state and local offices.

Rochester residents will also have to decide whether they want to raise their property taxes to pay for city parks.

Kimt news three's calyn thompson joins us live to explain.xxx rochester's park system is made up of about 100 parks, has more than 100 miles in trails and spans across more than 4?

"* thousand acres.

Witha lot of participation at parks such as silver lake park behind me, i'm told funding is needed to cover upkeep.xxx (drove covers) ?

"(sot: the pars and recreation system throughout rochester has suffered in many ways from a lack of investment.

When rochester parks and rec made a master plan back in 2015, it was clear funding was needed.

The plan identified more than 80 million dollars in improvements... whether that be addressing aging infrastructur e or bringing amenities to the community that residents have asked for.

(graphic) that's why on november 3rd, rochester voters will be faced with ?

"(this question on the ballot.

Rochester parks and recreation director paul widman says voting yes will help the parks system.

Sot: a yes vote would mean an additional 2 million dollars per year would be allocated for park improvements.

And that money could also be used for operations.

It would also increase property taxes for rochester residents.

It's estimated the average residential homeowner would pay an additional 33 dollars per year.

Widman says this long?

"*term funding mechanism would allow the city to make improvements that are long overdue.

Come november, it will be in the hands of those who live here.

Sot: we're getting increasing comments and feedback from our residents that they would like to see these changes.

And so that's the main reason we put this out to the voters so they can weigh in and help in deciding the future of the parks and recreation system here in rochester./// widman tells me this vote and discussion is very timely.

Participation at the parks and trails has increased dramatically during the pandemic.

At the same time, the department has also faced a budget cut.

Live in rochester, calyn thompson, kimt news 3./// thanks calyn.

Widman says either way there will be tough decisions on how to prioritize funding.///