DEXTER PLANS BOND ISSUE FOR PARK IMPROVEMENTS

DEXTER -- Major improvements to Dexter's parks and recreation program could be made if voters approve a half-cent sales tax in August, say supporters of the ballot issue.

Members of the city's Parks and Recreation Board of Directors, Mayor Myra Pritchett and several members of the Board of Aldermen Thursday night started mapping out a campaign to inform city voters of the need for the sales tax.

Also, if voters approve a dedicated source of funding for the parks agency, more money could be available to use on other city services, such as police and fire protection, streets and sewer projects.

Parks directors and city officials attending the regular monthly meeting of the parks board said that while improving the city's crumbling swimming pool is the most pressing need facing the recreation department, there are other projects that need to be dealt with such as the development of a walking trail to allow older residents a safe place to exercise. Currently, many residents get their daily exercise by walking in neighborhoods without adequate sidewalks.

Ed Riley, who serves as the city's accountant, projected that a half-cent sales tax could generate about $500,000 a year. "This would put you in an excellent position to make some major improvements," Riley told the parks and recreation board.

Currently, the parks agency receives about $90,000 a year from a property tax and about $200,000 from the city's General Revenue Fund.

While the property tax would remain intact, if voters approve the sales tax it's likely the General Revenue money now going to the department would be appropriated for other city services, officials said. That would mean improved services for residents in other areas, they said.

They note that a sales tax for the parks is fairest way to raise money for recreational programs because it would be paid not only by city residents but people from outside of Dexter who come into town to shop. A half-cent sales tax also is a minimal tax, they said, noting that the tax on a purchase of $1,000 is only $5.

The parks board agreed to begin talking with various organizations in the city to build support for the ballot issue. Because city funds can't be used to promote the issue, private money must be generated to pay for brochures explaining the need for the revenue.