City Council Agenda and Packet 2023 01 24 SP

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LL Cityof CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION Louisville AGENDA ITEM 3 COLORADO • SINCE 1878 SUBJECT: DISCUSSION/DIRECTION — OPEN SPACE & PARKS SALES TAX RENEWAL DATE: JANUARY 24, 2023 PRESENTED BY: ADAM BLACKMORE, DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE MEGAN DAVIS, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER SUMMARY: The existing Open Space & Parks 10-year 3/8% sales and use tax, approved in its current form in 2012 by Louisville voters, will expire at the end of 2023. This sales and use tax, originally implemented for the acquisition of land in and around the City of Louisville for Open Space and Parks, has been in place since 1993. The tax was modified in 2002 to allow the tax revenues to be used for the operation and maintenance of open spaces and parks; the percentage and length of term remained the same. This same percentage, term, and purpose was approved again by the Louisville voters in 2012 via Ballot Measure 2A. The Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department, in coordination with the Finance Department and City Manager's Office, requests City Council consideration and direction regarding the "sunsetting" of this sales and use tax, and any subsequent actions needed for 2023 ballot resolution consideration. FISCAL IMPACT: The sales and use tax funds are the primary funding source for Open Space and Parks operations, including staffing, maintenance, purchasing, and service agreements. The funds are also allocated to land acquisition reserves and capital projects. PROGRAM/SUB-PROGRAM IMPACT: As the primary funding source for Open Space and Parks Operations, all maintenance & operational programs for Open Space and Parks are significantly impacted by decisions regarding this tax. Funds are distributed across all aspects of Open Space and Parks and therefore impact all program and subprogram areas associated with Open Space and Parks operations and improvements. The tax revenues are utilized for capital projects and equipment, such as playgrounds, picnic tables, irrigation, fencing, and equipment replacements for wood chippers, aerator, plow blade, utility cart, and, mowing deck. They also support the staff that oversees and conducts the maintenance and management work. Tax revenue is also used for volunteer and educational programs such as, Fishing Frenzy, Farm Day, and Astronomy, all programs that help to facilitate and maintain a CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION 43