Assistant City Manager speaks to Civitan
David Shelman, Hope’s assistant city manager, brought a “Hope for the Future” message to the club at its October 22 meeting. He covered the three issues on the ballot for next Tuesday’s election that call for a total one cent sales tax increase to improve Hope’s fire department and parks and recreation facilities, including maintenance and operation to maintain those facilities.
He said 7/8 of the one cent will go toward paying off bonds used for construction of a new fire station and replacing aging equipment, as well as several projects for parks and recreation. Issue 5 is the fire services improvement bond and Issue 6 is the Parks and Recreation Bond, and both will “sunset” as those bonds are paid off.
Issue 4, which is the remaining 1/8 of the one cent sales tax increase, will be used for maintenance and operation of the Parks and Recreation improvements.
Shelman pointed out that a $15 purchase in Hope, such as a meal, will carry only a 15 cent increase to accomplish these needed projects. He also pointed out that funds from the sales tax will come from travelers who stop in Hope for gas, food or lodging, and by visitors from surrounding towns who shop in Hope — but only if the three issues pass.
