Parks & Rec To Renew Sales Tax on April Ballot

Renewal of a current sales tax was discussed at the regular June 7 meeting of the Holden Parks & Recreation Board.

The no tax increase sales tax is the Storm Water/Parks Dept. tax, which was originally approved by voters several years ago.

Revenue from the tax is divided evenly between the Parks Dept. and the Holden Storm Water committee.

Tracy Brantner from Johnson County Economic Development Corporation and Johnson County Clerk Diane Thompson gave a presentation to Parks & Rec on the issue.

They shared different ballot options for the sales tax renewal.

Board members then discussed whether to add the measure to the November 2021 ballot or to the April 2022 ballot.

Parks & Rec decided to present the issue to the Holden City Council, with a recommendation of including it on the April 2022 ballot.

Parks & Rec Member Andrew Wakeman will take the issue to the city council at its June meeting.

In new business, the board discussed the memorial pavers at the city park.

Board Chairman David Chastain requested $100 from Parks & Rec funds to purchase supplies to install the memorial brick pavers at the park playground.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the funds for the installation.

All voted in favor and motion passed.

In upcoming calendar events, the board discussed and finalized the June 12 Art in the Park details.

The next event at the city park sponsored by Parks & Rec will be the Spark in the Park, set for July 4th, in honor of Independence Day.

Spark in the Park includes a fireworks display at dusk, refreshments for sale by Parks & Rec, as well as a water feature for children and music provided by a DJ. All details were finalized.

Other calendar events included the Nerf War on August 21; Pumpkins in the Park on October 30, from 6-8 p.m.; and Christmas in the Park. On Christmas in the Park, it was announced that the displays will run from November 20 throughout the season, and the kick-off event with Santa and other activities will be held on December 11.

Board treasurer David Anstine motioned to spend $50 to promote all 2021 City Park events on Facebook. Motion passed.

In a security camera/system follow-up, the board discussed an additional bill from the security camera vendor. The bill is greater than the amount the board had previously approved to spend. Members decided not to pay the new bill and seek more information. The discussion was tabled until the July meeting when there will be additional details on the charges.

In other new business, board member Naomi Chastain requested approval to install guttering on the front of the restrooms at the city park. It was reported that the guttering and labor will be donated. A motion to approve the installation passed.

There being no further business, the board voted to adjourn the June meeting.