Nibley
residents don't see eye to eye on million-dollar parks
bond
By Ashley
Zarate
April 7, 2008 | NIBLEY -- Nibley City Council is considering
taking out a 20-year $1 million bond, which would increase
residents' taxes by over $6 per year. Residents are
on both sides of the fence about the issue, and cost
is a main problem.
Joseph Larken, a Nibley resident, has children that
play sports and still feels the cost is not worth the
parks.
Larkin said, "I am a father of five, four of which
are currently schedule to play soccer this year. I love
Cache valley and I think the open space is a big reason
why. On the other hand I am concerned about the cost.
If you were to tell me that the soccer fees doubled
I think there are other opportunities for my kids to
get activity. Another thing is that energy and food
costs are going up, all costs are going up. This is
just another tax for us. Is this really a good time
to do this? It feels like it is just another dip into
our pockets. I would not vote for this bond if I had
to vote today."
Other residents feel that the lack of parks is a huge
problem. Allan Haycock, the city soccer coach, said
he feels the benefits of the parks will strongly outweigh
the price associated with it.
"I'm in charge of soccer for Nibley and I want to
take my hat off to this council for what they do for
Nibley," Haycock said. "There are 400 kids playing soccer
in this city it has increase 30 percent each year. We
sit and talk about using all of the grass in the city,
but I look at it from a selfish reason. I have an opportunity
to impact these children's lives on the soccer field.
I'm grateful to have a city that supports that and wants
this for our kids. If its here we might not see it utilized
to the max but there is that opportunity to impact the
lives of children. If you cant be involved in volunteering
then find a way to help. We need people just as much
as the money to help thee kids."
The majority of the council expressed the need for
more parks and resources. Mayor Gerald K. Knight said
everyone wants a park in their neighborhood and the
data he has seen shows a need for parks in Nibley.
"Data is what prompted us to take this action or at
least to sound it out to the public," Knight said. "We
are in the process of updating our park plan. Our public
works people have put together the timeline and expenses
of these parks. Our parks are used almost to capacity
and financially this city is in tremendously good shape."
Even though a majority of the council wants the bond,
others feel there are other ways to get the money. Thayne
Mickelson says he feels we should think outside the
box and find other ways to get funds to make these parks.
Mickelson said, "The $1.6 million bond may cost us
$3 million with interest. Maybe we should consider selling
properties to fund this instead of taking out a bond."
Lisa Maughan, a resident of Nibley, believes the city
should keep the open fields and doesn't know if the
new parks will be able to impact her.
Maughan said, "I think most of us that live in Nibley
appreciate the rural side of it. As my family gets older
I would like the resources, but I also like the idea
of seeing the open fields. I may leave Nibley before
this happens but for 6 a month this is worth it to me."
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