Park District seeks tax rate increase

The Carthage Park District is asking voters to approved an increase from 10 cents to 25 cents in the district tax rate in the primary election Feb. 5.

The current 10 cents rate was set when the park board was established and is the minimum rate for a tax levy.

“Since that time we have made improvements to the park, but any big improvements (such as the ball diamond) were made with the assistance of outside entities (the school district), donations and volunteers,” explained park board president Chris Goetz.

“We have been unable to have enough in reserve to plan ahead for large capital expenditures such as replacing aging equipment, or making new additions or improvements.”

The park board would set aside some funds each year so that a large capital expense such as replacing equipment, would not wipe out a large portion of the tax money received in any one year.

“We believe that the additional funds will allow us to be proactive rather than reactive, and we can start reserving funds for some bigger projects such as new playground equipment, campground improvements and boat ramp and bathhouse replacement,” Goetz said.

The park district recently took over responsibility for the Carthage Family Fitness.

“Although our fitness center is largely self-sustaining, we believe it could be a much more valuable community asset with some additional funding that we aren't currently able to provide,” he said. In the last two years the park has taken out short term loans at the end of the year.

“The truck we currently own is over 10 years old. We, as well as everyone else, have seen an increase in operating expenses. Gas has gone up, liability insurance, electricity, waste removal and wages.”

The rate would only be applied to voters inside Carthage. The board would likely levy at the new maximum rate if the ballot issue passes. County Clerk Kerry Asbridge said that would add about 1.8 percent to a persons tax bill from last year.

“For example, if your total tax bill was $500 last year, you would pay $509 with this new rate. If your tax bill was $1,000 last year, it would be $1,018 next year,” Asbridge said.

What will happen if the tax increase does not pass?

“We will continue to do the best we can with what the community provides us,” Goetz said.