Western Elmore County Recreation District
2001
Understanding that the WECRD was given a mandate from the people to construct a multi-purpose, year-round, family recreation/community activity facility, the directors moved forward with the concept. A project of this magnitude requires careful preparation, thoughtful decision-making, and excellence in coordination of a multi-faceted project.
The WECRD sought funding of the WECRD Recreation Center with a step-by-step approach to secure construction funds and provide for sustainability of the facility.
Tax dollars were saved from revenue generated. Methods: First, the Directors set the example of volunteer service and as such receive no pay or reimbursement from the District. Second, engage an adequate staff to accomplish the duties of the District whether they are employees, contractors, or volunteers.
2002
Conducted a capital campaign feasibility study to examine the achievability of completing a successful capital campaign to finance the BRC facility. The proposed facility would have been approximately 80,000 square feet at a cost of approximately $10M.
The WECRD interviewed three firms and selected a firm respected and experienced in YMCA fundraising.
2003
WECRD invested tax revenues in Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP). The LGIP is a low-risk highly liquid investment tool used by governments within Idaho to earn interest and to provide quick accessibility
2004
Applied for KROC Foundation Funds made available nationally through Salvation Army regional oversight. The WECRD competed against six other Idaho communities: Meridian, Boise, Twin Falls, Pocatello, Idaho Falls and Coeur d’Alene for a Joan Kroc Community Center. Despite having and presenting the most practicable and complete proposal and meeting all guidelines established by the Salvation Army the WECRD was passed over in favor of Coeur d’Alene. Coming in second to Coeur d’Alene, the greater Mountain Home community, which put tremendous effort behind the WECRD (over 1000 letters of support), was sorely disappointed. Second place in the competition did not provide any monetary benefit to the WECRD.
2004
Purchased 20 acres for the WECRD Recreation Center. Several parcels were evaluated based on a matrix designed by the Directors to ensure the parcel best suited to the purpose was selected. The land owned by the WECRD is within walking distance of over 2000 elementary – high school students, is easily accessible from American Legion, a main traffic artery, is visible from I84, is suitable for expected facility expansion and is large enough to accommodate partnerships with like-minded agencies. Prior to purchase the WECRD conducted a survey, Level 1 Environmental Review, Corp of Engineer determination, Elmore County Planning and Zoning review and City of Mountain Home ‘Area of Impact zoning review.
2005
Formed a 501(c) 3 Foundation to support the District as donations are received. The Recreation Foundation of Elmore County was formed in 2005.
2005-2008
Apply for Federal Appropriations (FA) through the Idaho Congressional delegation. FA application of 2005 not funded, but WECRD is encouraged to reapply. FA application of 2006 not funded, but WECRD encouraged to reapply. FA application of 2007 is funded for fiscal year 2008 in the amount of $294,000. FA Application for 2008 – no decision.
Idaho’s congressional delegation has strongly supported the WECRD FA application.
“…I am convinced that this (WECRD) project has tremendous merit and would be a welcome addition to the Mountain Home region. The recreation center envisioned in your submission would help to improve the health of the region’s citizens, provide a community gathering place and attract new businesses and economic opportunities to the area. In addition, the facility would provide a convenient exercise facility for the many active-duty servicemen and women living in Elmore County as well as the thousands of veterans who reside in the region.
U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson
The WECRD is securing the FY 2008 appropriations funding through HUD. In doing so the WECRD is completing several HUD mandates prior to release of funds: environmental review through the assistance of Bionomics; surveying through the assistance of Waite Land Surveying; architectural and engineering specifications through the assistance of Olson Architects; WECRD accounting system of federal funds through the efforts of Judy Erwin, WECRD treasurer; WECRD general coordination of FA efforts through the efforts of Betty Ashcraft, Recreation Foundation of Elmore County member and Mollie Marsh WECRD Director.
2006 - 2008
WECRD explores:
- Bonding option but finds the cost involved would be considerable, the success unknowable, and the current tax revenue would not support a bond payment
- Certificates of Participation but finds the cost involved could be considerable, the success unknowable, and the current tax revenue would not support a construction payment.
2007
WECRD changed from a $34.50 annual per-household fee tax assessment (in effect at the same rate from 2001-2007) to a general tax levy assessment. The FY 2008 WECRD Budget submitted to Elmore County in September 2007 (to be received 2008) was determined at .0006% of the net assessed value of property. The FY 2009 Budget submitted to Elmore County in September 2008 (to be received 2009) was determined at .0006% of the net assessed value of property.
Rationale for change:
- real estate values had increased significantly since 2001;
- philanthropic donations had not been forthcoming from the community; all property owners would pay their share with the general tax levy; .
- 0006 general tax levy was more equitable and provided tax relief to owners of small homes;
- the general tax levy would bring in revenues more in line with the growth of the community;
- tax revenues would provide increased funds for construction/operation of the WECRD Recreation Center.
Under the per-household fee (2001-2007) all WECRD property tax owed was not assessed to property owners, rather that amount of tax was divided by only households (households bore the burden of paying 100 percent of all taxes owed) – owners of property (businesses) were not taxed under the per-household fee.
Over 13 percent of 2009 WECRD tax revenue (over $50,000) will be generated from out-of-district land owners.
2008
WECRD decided to examine the viability of constructing a 20,000 square foot “Stage 1 of the WECRD Recreation Center with the revenue on hand (LGIP, Federal Appropriations and 2009 tax revenues) so that the facility would be built debt-free. WECRD Recreation Center components being considered are aquatics (warm water therapy and cool water exercise pools), open space for programming for all ages and a few small areas for office, flex rooms, etc. Olson Architects has prepared preliminary design and costs. Green Play, a recreational analysis firm, provided a draft of operating expenses and revenue generation. WECRD compiled information for WECRD Recreation Center business plan.
Fall 2008
Director Marsh was challenged for her seat on the Board. Her challenger’s platform: objection to the tax change and inclusion of aquatics in the proposed Stage 1. Director Marsh’s platform: build WECRD Recreation Center (warm water therapy and cool water exercise pools), open space for programming for all ages) debt-free with funds available. Over 3000 persons voted in the election. The WECRD contains 7888 households and rental units; Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB) is not included in the 7888 figure. Marsh won by 13%.WECRD continues to evaluate constructing “Stage 1 of the WECRD Recreation Center with revenue on hand.