Hope Lions Hear About “‘Hope for the Future” Proposals

The Hope Lions heard from Assistant Hope City Manager Daniel Shelman on Monday (10-21) concerning the “Hope for the Future” proposals.  Shelman said the city is seeking a one-cent sales tax to fund a new fire station, improvements for the city parks and ballfields, and construction of a rec/aquatic center.  7/8ths of the sales tax would “sunset” after the new construction and improvements are paid for and 1/8th cent would remain to pay for operations and maintenance of the park and rec/aquatic facilities.

The sales tax will be voted on by Hope residents within the city limits.  The proposed tax is spread over 3 ballot issues.  These are numbered 4, 5, and 6.  Proposal 4 would levy a 1/8th cent sales tax for operations and maintenance of the parks.  Proposal # 6, if approved, would levy 7/8ths of a cent sales tax that would provide funding for a new recreation and aquatic center, splash pad at Northside Park, soccer field renovations, tennis court renovations, construction of pickleball courts, and some other items for the parks.  Proposal #5, if approved, would fund the construction of a new fire station to replace the 1939 fire station on 2nd Street.  This funding would come from the 7/8ths cent tax covered under proposal #5.

Shelman noted if the 7/8ths cent tax passes, the city estimates it will take from 17 to 22 years to pay off the bonds this tax funds.  At that point it will go away.  Shelman also noted if sales tax revenue continues to rise as it has in recent years, the bonds could be paid off sooner.  The only part of the tax that would be permanent would be the 1/8th cent tax that would be levied if Proposal #4 passes.

The Lions asked questions about various situations if only one or two of the issues should pass and Shelman explained the City Board would decide how to use any tax that passes within the confines of how the tax is configured.

The issues will be on the November ballot and early voting is underway.

Shelman noted if anyone has questions, they can contact Hope City Hall at 870-777-6701.