By Mary-Justine Lanyon
The parcel tax that helps fund local parks and recreation services through the Rim of the World Recreation and Park District was set at $10 in 1983. It was increased to $22 by voters in 2011.
At the July 13 meeting of the Rec and Park board of directors, they approved putting a measure on the Nov. 3 ballot that would increase the parcel tax to $37 with an annual escalator of 1 percent until ended by voters. They estimate this measure would generate approximately $510,000 the first year.
The reasoning behind the increase, as stated in the resolution passed by the board, is “to sustain essential recreation services; improve and maintain parks, recreational facilities and community amenities; address rising costs, emergency repair and disaster recovery.” All funds would remain local and would be used only “for those purposes with annual audit reporting.”
As General Manager Jenny Hueter scrolled through a PowerPoint presentation, she noted the tax had not increased in 15 years “and has never been adjusted for inflation.” Most of Rec and Park’s buildings were built in 1984 and 1985 and need upgrades to their electrical and plumbing systems.
Revenue from the parcel tax is a concern due to delinquent taxes.
She pointed to the enhancements and upgrades the district has done recently to the community centers in Running Springs and Twin Peaks new windows, HVAC systems, generators, flooring and lighting and interior painting. This modernization, Hueter said, “will better serve and accommodate the taxpayers.”
Finance Manager Michele Bryer noted that current costs outpace the district’s revenue. The district office in Rimforest had suffered considerable damage during Snowmageddon. They are still waiting for insurance reimbursements.
Bryer pointed to the deficit in the parcel tax levied in the 2025-2026 year. Of the $749,958 levied, $702,110 was collected; $47,848 was uncollected due to delinquent property taxes.
“Our budget,” Bryer noted, “doesn’t allow for any unforeseen expenses or the rising costs of insurance and utilities. We expect a $50,000 deficit in the 2027-2028 year.”
When Chair James White opened the public hearing, resident Virginia Paleno noted that “you primarily serve the needs of younger people. The seniors in our community number over 6,000 while children number 2,300, according to the 2020 census.
“My concern is for the seniors,” Paleno said, adding that “75 percent of the population in this area are seniors from 50 to over 80. I don’t see a lot of programs that appeal to seniors so I am hesitant to vote for the increase.
“I think there are other ways you can decrease your expenses,” Paleno added.
When Paleno noted there was “animosity” among seniors because they lost the use of the Twin Peaks center, Hueter said they had come to an agreement two years ago, slashing the hourly rate for use of the building. “They were not kicked out,” Hueter said, adding they have bingo, line dancing and dominoes in Twin Peaks.
Bryer had noted the district had had 17 employees but is now down to six. Crestline resident Carly Tatum told the board that “staff has been reduced by the total compensation year over year is not going down. Generally, nonprofits are held to a percentage standard for administrative and overhead costs. I don’t see that that has been met.”
Noting that maintenance appears to be the smallest expense in the budget with 70 percent going to administration, Tatum asked if a new budget would be issued for the 2027-2028 year if this increase goes on the ballot.
“This will not affect the budget approved today,” Bryer said. “It will be the next one. We will work on it when we know if the measure passes or not.” She had said funding from the increased parcel tax would not be collected until November 2027.
White closed the public hearing and called for the vote. All five directors approved putting the increase in the parcel tax on the Nov. 3 ballot.
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