How the FOP is misleading voters and other FOP assorted propaganda

[Fun CH]

Here's amother misleading statement. Is anyone fooled by this? Of course the Aquatics District set up of the Metropolitan Park District will use taxpayer dollars to fund construction, yet they use the word "possibly".


From the FOP website:

"Who will pay for building the new pool?
Funding for the project will include a combination of grant dollars, private donations, and possibly the Aquatics District. Friends of the Pool is committed to helping with fundraising".

[Fun CH]

This is a misleading statement predicated by the use of the word "exempt" From the FOP website:

Quote:

"I’m on a fixed income, what if I can’t afford the tax?
Washington State has two property tax relief programs for homeowners over age 61 and people with disabilities. Those on a fixed income may qualify to be exempt from property tax levies." End quote

First off if a family has low or fixed income and under the age of 61, sorry, no tax relief and you will be paying full amount on this MPD levy. The rate is .75 per $1000 dollars of assessed property value. As property values go up, so does your tax. For example, if your property value assessment goes up $1000.00 , you will pay in additional $75 of taxes on top of what you are already paying.


If you are a senior over 61 with low income you may be eligible for some tax relief using the senior property tax exemption program. This program will only reduce your overall taxes and not completely eliminate them.

Here is that structure.

Quote from WSDOR

"The property tax exemption program benefits you in two ways. First, it reduces the amount of property taxes you are responsible for paying. You will not pay excess levies or Part 2 of the state school levy. In addition, depending on your income, you may not need to pay a portion of the
regular levies."

The taxes that this Metropolitan Park District will create is considered a "regular" Levy. So all seniors on this program will still be paying all or part of the Metropolitan Park District tax levy depending upon income.

Here is how your tax is calculated from WSDOR

"Property tax levies eligible for exemption

There are three levels of exemption depending on your final calculated combined disposable income.

• Level 3 - You are exempt from paying excess levies and Part 2 of the state school levy. Generally
speaking, excess levies are the voter-approved levies.

• Level 2 - You are exempt from paying excess levies, Part 2 of the state school levy, and regular levies
on $50,000 or 35% of the assessed taxable value, whichever is greater (but not more than $70,000 of
the taxable value).

• Level 1 - You are exempt from paying excess levies, Part 2 of the state school levy, and regular levies
on $60,000 or 60% of the assessed taxable value,"

Note that at level 3 of the senior tax Reduction Program you still pay the entire regular Levy amount taken by the Metropolitan Park District.

Note at level 1, which which is the lowest income tier for those seniors living in Okanogan County near the poverty level, you still pay part of the Metropolitan tax District regular Levy.

To people who have ample monetary resources you may say that's great, they only have to pay 40% of the regular levy rate. However to a senior who is facing increasing amounts of inflationatory expenses on a low and or fixed income, these types of regressive taxes can mean less food security, not being able to pay Medicare Part B, and not being able to afford preventative Dental Care such as teeth cleaning, not being able to afford Heating and cooling and not being able to afford to pay their taxes which could result in losing their home.

So while you're having a hot soak at others expence in your brand new Mega Pool\Spa, think of those who are less fortunate than you who struggling to survive on less then what you can afford.

[PAL]

Just saw sign boards posted, like the political candidate signs. They say "Yes on Prop 1", Yes to Pool. This is quite misleading. Can the misleading information be stopped?

[PAL]

This is a key statement. "Similarly, if needed, the Commission could return to the voters for an excess levy to issue bonds."
A lot of flexibility. And David you are correct, they don't have a final design, they don't have the land, yet they want to use our property taxes, which are already high and will go up as long as assessements go up. Blindly vote for being taxed without knowing what's up.

[Fun CH]

We're talking about the misleading statement that the fop is currently making on their website which is.

"For every $100,000 of property value you own, the most you’d pay is $75. The tax will never be more than that, but it could be less. "

The point is the law allows them to seek to pass an excess Levy which could increase that levy rate above the regular levy .75/$1000.

What we are voting on is whether or not to establish a Metropolitan Park District, which has the power to seek to raise the levy rate beyond the regular Levy. And previously they've already stated that could be an option to seek to raise the levy rate.

Previous to their lastest new statement they were saying,

"Similarly, if needed, the Commission could return to the voters for an excess levy to issue bonds."

Their narrative continues to change.

The only narrative that counts is the one on the ballot that establishes a Metropolitan Park District, not a pool and not an endless stream of contradictory political promises.

[mister_coffee]

$100k. $75 per year forever
$200k. $150
$300k. $225
$400k. $300
$500k. $375
$600k. $450
$700k. $525
$800k. $600
$900k. $675
$1mil. $750

Are you describing a situation where a property assessed at $100k would take a $75/year tax hit from the aquatics complex if built as proposed? Given that the proposal (such as it is) is completely unrealistic aren't we just shooting a straw man here?

I would think that the above estimates it matters a lot how the project is financed and what the expected revenue would be. Since FOP is bafflingly unspecific about that we can't really know what the numbers could be. They could be one tenth that much or ten times that much, and to me that is much more frightening than any single number.

[Fun CH]

The tax will never be more than that, but it could be less. "

What about if they pass an excess levy?

Then property taxes will go up higher than the initial regular Levy of 75 cents per thousand of assessed value. In one version of their past web statements they even told voters the truth here.

Past FOP website quote.
"Similarly, if needed, the Commission could return to the voters for an excess levy to issue bonds. "

That statement contradicts their current statement that your taxes will never go up Beyond $75 per $1,000 of a assessed value.

They have put out so many contradictory narratives what is a voter supposed to believe?

Believe the wording on the Ballot, the only wording that counts, which gives the FOP all the powers of a nonlimited Metropolitan Park District, except eminent domain, which they don't need because Twisp and Winthrop townships already have that power.

The Ballot also states 5 members will be appointed to MPD board by the local Town government and County Commissioners.

Obviously we're seeing them reacting to letters to the editor and facts of law quoted on this website. Unfortunately there reacting with confusing, contradictory and misleading information.

Why would any voter trust them?

[PAL]

Thanks Ray. And yes, as the cost of everything will go up over years, they will have to ask for an an excess levy. As I have found, it always takes longer than you think to get somewhere or do a project and it also costs more than you think it will to do a project, etc.
People need to think hard about future obligations that are being undertaken and what is important for our Valley.

[pasayten]

$100k. $75 per year forever
$200k. $150
$300k. $225
$400k. $300
$500k. $375
$600k. $450
$700k. $525
$800k. $600
$900k. $675
$1mil. $750

[pasayten]

The tax will never be more than that, but it could be less. "

What about if they pass an excess levy?

[PAL]

"Here is the new wording on the FOP webpage:

"Creating this Aquatics District means that all property owners within the district will pay a tax based on the assessed value of their property. For every $100,000 of property value you own, the most you’d pay is $75. The tax will never be more than that, but it could be less. "

I can't find this on their webpage. But saying it's $75 for every $100,000 is misleading. As an example, a property at $300,000 would pay $225 versus, if it is .75/$1000 it is a different equation. If I am wrong correct me. Math was not my strong suite.
Or would we pay the same thing? It is their wording. I supposed it sounds better if a property owner is paying $75 per $100,000.

[Fun CH]

I came across this latest offering on the fop web page concerning the governing structure. It's a misrepresentation of the facts

Quote from FOP
"As it is currently written, each Town Council will appoint two commissioners: one elected council member and one member-at-large. The members-at-large will be appointed every two years to fill the seats. Anyone living within the Aquatics District boundaries can be nominated as an at-large commissioner.
The 5th rec district commissioner will be our County Commissioner from District 2.
This structure is a common form of governance for districts with limited purposes like transit and EMS districts that operate between more than one town or county. It’s a proven structure that works, is accountable, and transparent." End quote

1) Governing Structure

Here is the governing structure language quoted below the way it is "currently written" that we are voting on contained within the petition and ballot measure. Note that nowhere on the ballot proposition is the governing structure language is as what is currently stated on the FOP web page used.

Instead the ballot prop states that all five Commissioners will be appointed and by whom, but does not state who will be appointed. No inter local agreements currently exist and Wa. law gives the Metropolitan Park District 6 months to establish those agreements.

Ballot language

"The District would be governed by a five member board appointed by the Okanogan County Commission and the Twisp and Winthrop Town Councils as provided by interlocal agreement approved by the three jurisdictions." End quote

2) Limited purpose

The FOP webpage states, "
This structure is a common form of governance for districts with limited purposes".

This statement is misleading because there is a Metropolitan Park District structure that is known as a "limited" Metropolitan Park District. They exist to provide a recreational facility for one specific purpose such as is a pool and it's required that the levy rate be set on the ballot.

https://mrsc.org/explore-topics/parks-a ... s#function


Quoted below is the ballot measure wording which allows by law the creation of other recreational facilities throughout the valley like a Climbing Gym in Mazama. See RCW 35.61.130. What we are voting on is not a "limited" specific purpose Metropolitan Park District. Clearly the ballot measure States they will also use money for "related existing and future facilities" and are asking for all powers granted under Washington state law governing Metropolitan Park Districts, excluding eminent domain, but with the power to develop other recreational facilities throughout the valley.

Ballot language

"If approved, this proposition would create a district under chapter 35.61 RCW, to be known as the Methow Aquatics District, to provide ongoing funding to develop, construct, operate, and maintain the Methow Aquatics Center and related existing and future facilities. The District would have the powers provided under chapter 35.61 RCW, excluding eminent domain, but including, among others, to levy regular property taxes up to 75 cents per $1,000 assessed value, and its boundaries would be coterminous with the boundaries of Methow Valley School District 350. "

3) Levy Rate

Here is the new wording on the FOP webpage:

"Creating this Aquatics District means that all property owners within the district will pay a tax based on the assessed value of their property. For every $100,000 of property value you own, the most you’d pay is $75. The tax will never be more than that, but it could be less. "

Here is the previous FOPweb version that describes the levy rate and the wording which is consistent with Washington state law that allows an increase in that levy rate approved by 60% of the voters.

Ray copy and pasted that previous FOP web page version here.

https://pasayten.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t ... bafd5ec804

"Financing. Because the levy is a permanent levy, the district will be able to finance a portion of the capital expense, if needed. About 25% of proposed MAC capital expense (roughly $5milllion) could be paid via debt financing. Similarly, if needed, the Commission could return to the voters for an excess levy to issue bonds. We hope to avoid this option and fundraise the remaining capital privately."

Note that the ballot measure States
"The District would have the powers provided under chapter 35.61 RCW, excluding eminent domain" which includes the power to ask voters raise the levy rate. Anything over the 75 cent per 1000 assessed value becomes an excess Levy.

So contrary to what the new FOP web page states, the rate can be raised according to the proposition we are voting on. See RCW 35.61.210

[dhop]

Wow. I can’t believe FOP is calling their mega pool complex affordable recreation. I am in the same boat you are. My wife and I are landlords who are trying to keep rents affordable. The MPD levy will cost us $1300 a year! That’s a lot of money for pools we will never use. Add the proposed $500 annual pool membership cost and this facility is far from affordable. There is so much recreation in this valley that is free or very affordable, but the pool complex does not make this list.
Many important and needed non-profits in the valley rely on donations to make ends meet. How will FOP’s money grab from the important donation pool affect these non-profits? Vote NO on Proposition 1.

[Fun CH]

Quote from the FOP website:

"If we do build a publicly supported Aquatics Center, our low and medium income families will have an affordable alternative to otherwise costly recreational activities, allowing any flexible income to be expended on other needs, including housing." end quote

This is a sales pitch that is full of misinformation. Prop 1 is designed to form a Metropolitan Park District that will levy .75 per $1000 dollars of assessed property value every year for the rest of my life. I'm a low/ fixed income family and my property tax bill will be an additional $870 per year if prop 1 passes and will increase as property values go up.
How is that affordable Recreation?

Compare that to riding my bike, hiking or walk, swimming in Patterson Lake, and cross country skiing out my back door, all of which are FREE.

Please check the facts. Even cross country skiing on the South Summit groomed trails is free. Methow Trails also offers free passes for volunteer assistance such as Trail ambassadors.Its a fact, a lot of outdoor recreation here is free.

Over the next ten years a minimum $8,700 in taxes will be added to my tax bill for a luxury mega poll/spa facility that we will never use. How is that affordable Recreation and why would the FOP make that claim?

Simple. They want you to vote for the establishment of a Metropolitan Park District, which once established, has zero voter accountability, and zero voter say in how our tax money is spent.


Vote NO on proposition 1 this November.

[Fun CH]

Thanks for the info and the true facts of drownings. Like I said before, I have received the most injuries when I swam in a pool. Whether through someone trying to hold me under or having a collision with someone else. Never was injured at the lake. Even water skiing, I was never injured.

That is so true. When I helped teach a University scuba diving class, we stressed pool safety at all times which included no rough- housing in or around the pool, ie no partying.

Promoting the formation of a Metropolitan Park District because the FOP likes to party down at a public pool seems a bit dissociated.

Their promotions look like the drug commercials you see on TV where people are shown having fun with the guy who needs medication.

This is actually a successful advertising tactic. Look at the children playing and don't look at the impact of forming a Metropolitan Park District. Don't ask to see the non-existent Wagner pool survey and just believe it when we tell you we need a new pool.

"Distracting by Smiling: Drug companies have perfected the art of distraction. Most drug commercials have a long list of scary side effects. The best way to divert attention from words like cancer, confusion, stroke, coma or death [or Metropolitan Park District] is to show people having fun and smiling."

https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/article ... ommercials

In the Methow Valley, this community has always rejected these types outside large city influences. One of the main proponents and self gain money interests of the MPD is a Seattle-based architectural firm. I'm guessing Ray Johnson, head of that Seattle-based architectural firm already has a out of Valley contractor lined up.

How about it Mr. Johnson, please tell us how much of our tax money you stand to gain and siphon off out of this Valley?

And that's just one of the scary side effects.

[PAL]

Thanks for the info and the true facts of drownings. Like I said before, I have received the most injuries when I swam in a pool. Whether through someone trying to hold me under or having a collision with someone else. Never was injured at the lake. Even water skiing, I was never injured.

[Fun CH]

I checked out the FOP facebook page looking for the lively debate that Steve mentioned he had with the FOP. I couldn't find it. What I found was this.

Sadly, learning to swim doesn't guarantee that you won't drown

The real facts are;

"Twenty-three percent of child drownings happen during a family gathering near a pool."

https://www.stopdrowningnow.org/drowning-statistics/

"The World Congress on Drowning states that an estimated 66% of the more than 360,000 people who drown worldwide each year knew how to swim, said Dave Benjamin, executive director of the nonprofit Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (www.glsrp.org)."

It's clear, partying, drugs and alcohol don't mix with swimming which is contrary to the FOP safety message

The fact is that Proposition 1 has nothing to do with building a mega spa pool. Twisp already has a pool that has received close to a half a million dollars in improvements and maintenance.

So what are the facts

The FOP says that Wagner pool needs to be replaced but they have not produced any type of engineering survey that indicates that is true. The pool seems to be working just fine in that picture. There is no existing engineering survey done on Wagner pool that anyone can find or produce.

Proposition 1 is really about establishing a Metropolitan Park District with unlimited non voter accountable powers to build tax payer funded recreational projects around the Valley such as a climbing wall in Mazama or amusement park rides near their proposed mega party spa. (see RCW 35.61.130)

The unelected Metropolitan Park of Commissioners will also have the ability to set up concession stands to sell food, t-shirts and other assorted trinkets. (See RCW 35.61.130)

Isn't that going to compete with local businesses?

Sounds like the FOP wants to create a Disneyland here while using tax payer money taken in part from low income people who need every penny to sustain living.

Vote no on Proposition 1 and tell the FOP to use their own money to fund their big party life.