8-3-09

Stevenson's Ranch Off Leash Dog Area

Madam Mayor,

I speak in opposition to this motion, reluctantly. First, I would like to congratulate the mayor’s office and the city on its diligent work to craft a lease agreement that does protect the city’s investment. I also thank the owners of the property for their generous offer and generous agreement to include consideration for the city should they terminate the lease within two years. I believe this demonstrates a significant desire to better the quality of life in Washougal. We are lucky to have such benefactors of the public good.

As a dog owner, I understand that such a dog park is a benefit to the city, and would provide a legal area for dogs to run freely off leash. There is no question in my mind that this is a worthy, and worthwhile park. I also believe that it will bring more Camas residents and Vancouver residents into our fair city, introducing them to Washougal. These are reasons to vote for the measure, and I urge my fellow council members to vote their conscience.

My sole objection to this measure today is actually an economic one. Our nation is still in the midst of an economic crisis. In a few short months, this very council will be negotiating our next year’s budget. When that discussion comes, I believe that the numbers will be stark, with the council being asked to either raise taxes, increased indebtedness, or cut services or expenditures. That will not be a comfortable discussion. Our city is millions of dollars in debt, if you count council approved city bonds. By Washington State law, our city is limited in the amount of debt that it can incur to a certain percent of our assets. Our ability to borrow money against our capital holdings has likely gone down because of the falling real estate market.

Yes, this money has been set aside three years ago. Yes, it is still earmarked for a dog park. I have no condemnation for the mayor or council for setting aside that money. Three years ago, we had a different economic situation, and the dog park, then as now, was a benefit to the community. Yet, when we have to balance our budget in a few months, we will have to consider all reserves and sources of tax revenue.

Very seriously, I do realize that the cost of this particular agreement is quite low. In fact, if the cost were spread out evenly among Washougal residents, it would be about one dollar per person. Even if only 10% of the citizens wanted a dog park and were willing to pay for it out of their own pocket, that would be only about $10 per person. However, I am in favor of getting the city out of debt and reducing the hit that property taxes may take.