FAQs
Q: What is Ballot Proposition 1 actually proposing?
A: Proposition 1 proposes to amend the Sitka City Charter to allow a portion of the Hospital Fund, specifically funds derived from tobacco taxes to be used to help pay bond debt and capital expenditures associated with new and revitalized athletic and recreational facilities.
Q: Will CBS Ballot Proposition 1 increase my taxes?
A: No. Approving Proposition 1 will have no effect on any tax rates.
Q: Will CBS Ballot Proposition 1 take money away from Retirees on the former Sitka Medical Center's PERS program?
A: No. All beneficiaries of the funds from the Sitka Medical Center will continue to receive their full retirement benefits. Only funds that are remaining after all obligations have been met will be considered for the recreation fund.
Q: Why should these funds be dedicated to recreation when there are other needs in the community?
A: The funding derived from the Hospital Fund/Tobacco Tax may not be available for potentially several years. Further, over time, the amount available may not be consistent. In that respect, this is not the ideal source of funding for operational support such as childcare, which should have dedicated and timely source of funding.
Sitka’s recreational facilities and capital funding currently do not have a consistent or long-term financial mechanism in place to support infrastructure needs like we see in many other communities. Other communities that have this, however, are generally funded by other means such as city/property taxes. Using these funds for Sitka’s recreation facilities provides a longer term solution without having to change the tax base to support it. The only way to afford the costly, but necessary upgrades to substandard facilities is through a funding source that can be bonded against or a fund that will build up over time. This is a better option than an increase in taxes.
Q: Is SCORE assuming that these funds will go to their desired projects (new or improved track and field and improved women's softball field)?
A: No, SCORE fully respects the public process for determining how future funds are allocated. We will be enthusiastic supporters of any recreation or athletic projects the community chooses to pursue, even if they are not the specific ones we are working on. While we will continue working to see our project through, SCORE believes all investments in Sitka’s recreational infrastructure are a win for the entire community.
Q: If the October 7 vote passes as a "Yes," who decides where the money is spent?
A: Regardless of the outcome of the October 7 vote, the City will be creating a Master Plan for all recreational and sports facilities. The development of this Master Plan will be a public process where all community members can weigh in. Prioritizations for new or improved recreation facilities will be determined through this new Master Plan. We hope to see this process happen soon but are not currently aware of the actual timeline.