Ballot Resolution Fidalgo Metropolitan Recreation District – Explanatory Statement
The Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center (FPFC) proposes transitioning from a Park and Recreation District to a Metropolitan Park District. This change would eliminate the requirement of maintenance and operations (M&O) levy vote every six years. With this transition, the district boundaries would expand to be consistent with those of the Anacortes School District. The new district would continue to operate independently of the City and County.
Currently, the facility is funded approximately 50% by user fees for specific programs and 50% by voter-approved levy funding for maintenance and operations. Transitioning to a metropolitan park district would provide predictable levy funding—essential for qualifying for loans to address larger repairs and capital improvements.
This measure, if approved, would replace the current district levy, and a newly elected board will set the initial levy rate, not to exceed $0.12 per $1,000 of assessed home value. For reference the 2021 voter-approved rate was $0.1138, and the current levy rate for is $0.0921.
A Metropolitan Park District still requires voter approval for any levy amount increase beyond the 1% annual cap. Community members will continue to have input through open monthly Board of Commissioner meetings.
The new district would continue to be governed by five commissioners elected from among district residents.
This measure will be on the November 4th Ballot of this year.
