Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Hailey approves May 25 rodeo bond election

Voters to decide on tax increase to help fund $6M project


By TONY EVANS
Express Staff Writer

The Hailey City Council voted unanimously Monday to put a $3.5 million bond issue to fund rodeo grounds development before voters on May 25.

"This is beyond a luxury," said Councilman Fritz Haemmerle after the vote. "This can preserve our Western heritage and make Hailey what it can be."

Several citizens spoke in favor of the bond, and none spoke in opposition.

The council has approved plans for a $6 million redevelopment of the historic rodeo grounds on the south end of town. The plans include a new and improved rodeo arena, a refrigerated and covered ice rink, an expanded skate park and a visitor center.

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Proponents of the redevelopment, including Hailey Ice and the Hailey Parks and Lands Board, are working to raise the remaining $2.5 million from private donations.

If at least two-thirds of Hailey voters casting ballots on Tuesday, May 25, vote in favor of the bond, Hailey residents will see a tax increase of $33 per $100,000 of property valuation. The tax increase would last for 10 years, the time required to pay off the bond.

A homeowner in Hailey with property assessed at $300,000—if they employ a $104,000 homeowner's exemption—would pay $5.50 per month in tax increases, the city reported.

The bond election will take place at the Community Campus from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com




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