Major South Whidbey Parks district changes considered

The South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District may ask voters to consider changing its designation from a regular to a “Metropolitan” Park District.

The South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District may ask voters to consider changing its designation from a regular to a “Metropolitan” Park District.

Director Doug Coutts presented the idea to the commissioners at a recent business meeting and noted the primary benefit of the change would be more opportunity for long-term planning.

Currently, the district is required to request funds for maintenance and operations via a public ballot measure for a tax levy at least every six years.

If the district were to change to the metropolitan designation, the commissioners would approve maintenance and operations fund schedules via a resolution after the first year.

Under its current designation, commissioners serve for four years, whereas under the metropolitan designation, commissioners would serve for six years.

Coutts emphasized that he and the commissioners “haven’t even gotten past the discussion as to if this is a good idea or not.”

Coutts added that the matter will be discussed briefly at the next meeting, which takes place Wednesday, April 15.