2005-11-08 - Voters Pamphlet - County Official Deschutes County November 8, 2005 Special Election Voters' Pamphlet
BLACK BUTTE RANCH SERVICE DISTRICT
Measure No. 9-33
BALLOT TITLE ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
9.33 BLACK BUTTE RANCH SERVICE DISTRICT FIVE-YEAR The current assessed value of BBR is$452,600,000.The
LOCAL OPTION LEVY District's current tax levy is capped at$1.0499 per$1,000 as-
sessed value.This levy has only increased$.0005 since 1999.
QUESTION: Shall The District impose a five-year local option Because BBR is nearly 100%built-out, our revenues are limited
tax at$.40 per$1,000 for general operations starting in 2006- to yearly increases in the 3-3.5% range.These funds no longer
2007? sufficiently cover current and future operating expenses.
This measure may cause property taxes to increase more than
three percent. In addition,we recently negotiated a five-year contract with our
SUMMARY:This measure may be passed only at an election officer's union. By state law police are not allowed to strike, but
with at least a 50 percent voter turnout.The District would use in return for that, roust be compensated commensurate with
the five-year local option tax revenue to maintain 24-hour patrols, other departments of similar size located in similarly populated
7 days a week.The District's current yearly revenue increases communities.The recent contract negotiations resulted in a
are approximately 3-31/2%per year.The proposed rate would contract that brought our officers in line with compensation
generate approximately$179,600 in 2006-2007,approximately Packages existing in comparable communities but resulted in a
$185,800 in 2007-2008,approximately$192,300 in 2008-2009, substantial increase over previous budgets.
approximately $199,100 in 2009-2010, and approximately About 150 of our 1251 home sites are occupied year round.
would e in 16.67 per .month a r$20,000 home,the assessment That leaves 1100 vacant home sites during much of the winter.
would be$16.67 per month or$200 per year. Vacant homes are rich targets for those who would steal per-
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT sonal property or who would like to take up residence.
The Black Butte Ranch Service District (the"District") provides We have a population that is aging and our Department is often
police services to its residents. The District's current tax levy called upon to assist the Fire Department in delivering emer-
is$1.0499 per$1000 of the assessed value of property in the gency medical assistance to property owners.The Ranch also
District. has many children using its recreational facilities and a police
The District has requested a local option tax to increase the Presence is necessary to discourage those who would harm
these children.
budget for operations. The local option tax will be$0.40
per$1000 of assessed value of property. On a$500,000 Since nearly 84%of our budget relates to payroll items, if our
home,the assessment would be$16.67 per month or$200 revenues are not increased to meet operating expenses, a
per year. The proposed levy would generate approximately reduction in personnel will be necessary, resulting in fewer
$179,600 in 2006-2007, approximately$185,800 in 2007 hours for patrol.We currently provide 24-7 patrols,but if the
-2008,approximately$192,300 in 2008-2009,approximately levy does not pass,there will be periods with no officer on duty.
$199,100 in 2009-2010,and approximately$206,000 in 2010 We believe that a reduction of police presence on the ranch will
-2011. result in unacceptable delays in response time and increased
The District's payroll costs have increased. Approximately exposure to violations in property and personal security.
84%of the District's budget is spent on payroll and related We believe a vote for the tax measure is in the best interest of
costs. The District currently has six sworn law enforcement the Black Butte homeowners.
officers and one administrative person on staff. Currently,
there is at least one officer on patrol at all times. Although the
Oregon Constitution allows for a 3%increase in the maximum (Information furnished by William H. Carson)
assessed value for each property each year, because Black
Butte Ranch is almost completely built out,that 3%increase
in valuation results in only a 3-3 1/2%increase in revenue.
That revenue is not sufficient to cover all the costs associated
with all six law enforcement officers. If the local option tax is
not approved, there will be a budget shortfall. One option to
address the shortfall will be a reduction in patrol hours.
NO ARGUMENTS AGAINST THIS
MEASURE WERE FILED
(information furnished by Tom DeWolf, Chair, The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement bythe County of Deschutes,
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners) nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statement made in the arguments.
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