It’s election day — which means Enumclaw voters are about to decide the fate of a proposed community center.
Here’s what you need to know:
The measure, if approved by 60% of voters, will fund the construction of a community center on the corner of Cole Street and Initial Avenue. Only those living inside city limits can vote on this measure; property owners that are not registered to vote in the city cannot vote.
The community center plans to include a new senior center; offices for Arts Alive!, the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce, and Enumclaw’s Parks and Rec Department; a full-sized gym and an attached exercise room; rentable classroom spaces; a covered commons area (with retractable walls); and an outdoor pavilion.
The project is expected to cost about $21 million, but the difference between the bond measure and the expected cost is additional city funds plus donations and grants, which the city will continue to secure over the next several years.
The bond will tack on an additional tax rate of 30 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value — for the average property owner in Enumclaw (with an APV of $500,000), that comes out to about $12.50 a month.
Proponents of the community center have noted this is roughly the cost of two cups of coffee; opponents have said even such a small increase in their taxes are untenable for people living paycheck-to-paycheck in the city, especially seniors on social security or another fixed income.
Senior citizens and those with disabilities can apply for a King County property tax deferral or exemption, but they must own property and fit other criteria like being 60 or older and have a household income of less than $89,000 last year.
Additional grants or donations for the construction of the senior center could potentially reduce the taxpayer burden.
If you still have questions about the community center, you can go to the city website at cityofenumclaw.net/604/Proposed-Community-Center, or read these articles:
• “Long Awaited community center vote is here” (general information, information about other considered options, design options, and seniors)
• “Have questions about the proposed Enumclaw community center? Here are some answers” (general information, election information, pro and con arguments, other considered options, maintenance and operation costs, homelessness issues)
• “How could the proposed Community Center expand city sports programs? Here are some answers” (information on Enumclaw’s Park and Rec programs, plans for expanding indoor K-5 sports programs, fees and costs for community center programs)
• Vote No: A community center is neither fiscally responsible or fair | Guest Column (Opinion against the community center)
• Vote Yes: A community center will help our community come together | In Focus (Opinion supporting the community center)
• A community center will be a shot in the arm for Enumclaw’s downtown | The Ginger Journalist (Editor’s opinion supporting the community center)