THPRD levy appears to pass among voters in early Election Night results

A Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District levy, designed to keep up with parks maintenance, retain existing staffing, keep swimming pools open and more is winning 55.9% to 44.1%.

So far, ballot returns show 21.6% of registered voters weighing in, though not all have been tabulated. Oregon law allows for ballots postmarked on Election Day to be counted if received within the following week.

Voters had been asked whether they would support a levy of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value over five years. That will increase taxes on the average home by about $152 per year, district officials have said.

THPRD already receives $1.31 per $1,000 of assessed value in property taxes to pay for services and programs through its general fund, in addition to a bond of 28 cents per $1,000 for new projects.

Parks and rec officials have said a levy is the best way to avoid an anticipated $16 million budget gap in the district before 2030.

In a nutshell, the levy will help keep up with existing parks maintenance levels — like garbage collection, restroom cleanings and trail work — retain the existing staffing, continue afterschool child care programs, keep the swimming pools and splash pads open, and maintain free community events.

With a deficit of over 20% of the district’s annual budget in the coming years, THPRD officials have said it could see reduced facility hours districtwide and the closure of outdoor restrooms at several sites. Failure of the levy would result in the loss of 50 full-time positions and 200 part-time positions.