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WPRD 1% Sales & Use Tax Funding - June 10th, 2025 Special Election 

Your Vote Matters!

On June 10, 2025, voters will have the chance to determine whether or not to continue the existing 1% percent sales tax indefinitely that currently funds parks, facilities, and programs throughout WPRD. The purpose of this page is to present factual information to inform voters of the measure, so that the community can effectively guide WPRD leadership on how to operate the district from a fiscal perspective.

 

    The History: How is WPRD Funded now? 

    The 1% sales tax funding for WPRD has been in place since 2012, when it was approved by a public vote to help fund the construction of the Williston Area Recreation Center (ARC) and offer property tax relief to area residents. Without this measure, the ARC would not have been built. For a detailed comparison of "Hypothetical" revenue generated through property taxes versus "Actual" revenue generated via the 1% Sales & Use Tax over the last 12 years, please see the document below. 

    Due to the 2012 Ballot language and proximity to the sunset date of current funding, WPRD leadership asking the community to determine rather WPRD will remain a Sales & Use Tax funded Park District or return to property taxes. Without this pertinent information, WPRD cannot effectively plan long-term operations post 2027.

    WPRD Hypothetical Property Tax and Sales Tax ComparisonWPRD Actual Property Tax Levied versus Hypothetical Property Tax Levied

     

    What happens if the 1% sales tax is not extended or is extended?

    If the measure fails, as soon as the WARC is fully paid off, (Tentative projection - 2027), WPRD would forfeit 1/2 of the current 1% Sales and Use Tax. This reality would push management towards an immediate reinstatement of property taxes to fill the void.

    If the measure fails and WPRD funding is not addressed prior to 2032 (Current sunset date of the existing 1% Sales & Use Tax) via a public vote, WPRD will forfeit the full 1% Sales & Use Tax and will reinstate a full mill allocation for property tax funding to operate the district. 

    If extended, City residents would not see any increases to their tax statements per the operations of WPRD.

    If extended, WPRD will not assess property taxes for as long as the Sales & Use Tax is in place. 

    2024 Property Tax Relief due to WPRD not assessing mills resulted in Savings of $583.09 for a $300,000 home, Or, $194.36 per $100,000 of True & Full (T&F) valuation

     

    What does the 1% Sales Tax Extension mean for the future of WPRD?

    WPRD would continue to receive funding from sales tax to maintain and improve parks, facilities, and programs, as well as plan for future capital projects. The indefinite status of the 1% funding would enable WPRD leadership to effectively plan for long-term operations and capital projects via a sales tax revenue stream. 

    WPRD Capital project list - Planned/Planning stages (non-exhaustive)

    ARC Updates:

    • Concessions area (firm)
    • Aquatics maintenance - investigative/preventative
    • General building maintenance- investigative/ preventative
    • Added storage

    Raymond Center Remodel:

    • Complete overhaul of the facility with the intent of using it as a home base for most athletics and it would help to relieve pressure on the ARC
    • Potential additions (getting quotes)
    • New roof and siding
    • Gutted inside to minimize dead space and accommodate new uses of the facility
    • New ice infrastructure (dependent on new ice facility)
    • Auxillary recreation space

    New Ice Facility:

    • Two sheets with room to expand to three
    • Turf room and/or indoor playground
    • Concession space

    Park Planning:

    • Updated trails network with more connectivity. Address current deferred maintenance needed at trails in the system.
    • Site plans for Harmon Park to replace old Eckert Pool
    • Site plans for Cote Park to add:
      • Paved parking lot
      • Added amenities such as pickleball, tennis and basketball
    • Site plans for Davidson Park
      • Safety focus on addressing traffic through Davidson Drive
    • Site plans for a new park near the ARC off from Dakota Parkway

    Water World:

    • Long-term operations and maintenance

     

    Do you have a question, comment or concern about the 1% Sales & Use Tax Funding that was not answered above?

    We would love to answer it! Please fill out this inquiry and a member of our team will reach out within three business days of submission.

     

    Would you like to discuss this further?

    We are here to answer all of your questions and concerns. Please contact us through our normal channels or contact, Executive Director, Joe Barsh, directly to arrange a time to speak more on this topic. 

     

    Get out and Vote! 

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