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Tigard Voters Turn Down Parks and Open Space Bond

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	City of Tigard 13125 SW Hall Blvd. Tigard, Oregon 97223	Press Release November 4, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact:	Dennis Koellermeier Public Works Director City of Tigard 503-718-2596 dennis@tigard-or.gov

Tigard Voters Turn Down Parks and Open Space Bond
Tigard voters said no at the ballot box Tuesday to a $20 million bond measure to preserve Natural Areas, and Develop Parks and Trails. The vote was 47% in support and 53% against the measure.

If approved, the proceeds from the bond would have paid to purchase land for parks, trails and natural areas. Bond proceeds would also have funded new and expanded park facilities throughout the city. For the average homeowner, the $65 cost to voters in the first year of the 20 year bond repayment would have declined over time.

Mayor Craig Dirksen, reflecting on the outcome, said "It's clear to me this measure was a good idea to the majority of Tigard residents but uncertainty about the economy made it difficult to say yes. Perhaps when we have a clearer view of the future, we'll try again. Hopefully the land will still be available."

The Tigard City Council and members of the City's Park and Recreation Advisory Board will meet in the coming weeks to discuss next steps.