CHAFFEE PARK FUND TAX HIKE BARELY FAILS

CHAFFEE -- A measure to increase the personal property tax rate to provide funds for operation of Chaffee parks failed by a narrow margin Tuesday.

The measure would have increased the Park Fund rate from 12 cents per $100 to 26 cents per $100. The final unofficial vote was 166 for and 173 against.

"We lost by seven votes," said Delbert Horman, park director. "This was a blow to the park system. We really needed the funds for operation and maintenance of the parks."

Bob Sullivan, park board president, said budget-cutting measures had been employed. The park tax pays for upkeep at Harmon Field, Chronister Field, and Frisco Field parks; the swimming pool; and Circle Park.