October 23, 2014 at 2:47 p.m.
Wyoming referendum ballot issue explained
Wyoming referendum ballot issue explained
Wyoming has identified a “first phase” of the most-degraded streets; to be reconstructed as part of a bituminous management plan, but policymakers have been stymied on how to pay for the projects.
There was a referendum on bonding held several months ago and it was defeated. But, city council members opted (4-1) to put another vote to the people because there was confusion in getting the message out for the ballot earlier, they said. (Linda Nanko-Yeager was the no vote for a second referendum.)
The wording of this upcoming ballot is not any less confusing. The thing to remember-- if you are a taxpayer in the city of Wyoming-- if you vote yes the city intends to foot the street reconstruction projects bill as a whole.
If you vote no you are supporting a process where affected property owners will pay at least 20 percent of their street work costs through an assessment.
Wyoming adopted a $500,000 tax levy in 2012 to build a bank account earmarked for street reconstruction needs. These revenues will either be used to provide debt service (annual payments) on about $3 million in bonds...or the city will assess and require adjacent property owners to contribute a minimum of 20 percent under existing policy, and use the levy monies to cover the city’s 80 percent share. The annual levy will continue into the foreseeable future.
The statement on the ballot says that a yes vote yes will result in a “tax increase” which is mandatory language under state law.
Wyoming, however, has already activated the levy necessary to pay for the bonds so voting yes will not directly call result in any increase in city taxes.
Balloting in Wyoming has been consolidated into a single preceinct. All voting takes place at the Maranatha Church on old Highway 61 (or Forest Blvd/ Cty Road 30). Hours to vote on Tuesday, November 4 are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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