Title
Public Hearing on the 2026 Olympia Metropolitan Park District (OMPD) Ad Valorem Tax
Recommended Action
Board Treasurer Recommendation:
Hold a public hearing on the 2026 Olympia Metropolitan Park District (OMPD) Ad Valorem Tax. Close the hearing, and direct staff to prepare an Ad Valorem Tax Resolution to be presented at the next meeting of the OMPD Board.
Report
Issue:
Whether to hold a hearing for the public to comment on the Ad Valorem Tax and direct staff to prepare a resolution for future OMPD Board approval.
Staff Contact:
Owen Thompson, Finance Analyst, 360.570.5811
Presenter(s):
Owen Thompson, Finance Analyst, 360.570.5811
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Metropolitan Park District (OMPD) is required to adopt a property tax levy resolution and file a levy certification with the County by November 30, 2025.
A public hearing on revenue sources, including property tax, is required before the adoption of the property tax levy (RCW 84.55.120). The proposed OMPD 2026 revenue only includes property tax. Notice of the hearing was published on October 7, 2025 and October 14, 2025. The levy is based on the budget, which includes amounts to be paid to the City of Olympia and administrative costs.
The preliminary OMPD Budget is $5,919,004. Based on the assessed valuation of the District, the projected levy rate per $1,000 assessed value is $0.4817.
Climate Analysis:
MPD funding is utilized to fund projects and programs that benefit carbon sequestration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Examples include full funding for the Park Stewardship program which manages and enhances natural areas, including planting thousands of native trees and plants each year.
Equity Analysis:
The MPD funding provides benefits to the community that would not have been realized without the funding. The City is committed to Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and the Parks Department has adopted a system to prioritize park development in areas with underserved populations. The MPD funds the Park Ranger program that focuses on voluntary compliance with park rules and connecting those in need with social services, such as housing and food.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The 2026 estimated levy rate of $0.4817 is slightly lower than the 2025 rate of $0.5015 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation.
Options:
1. Hold a public hearing. Close the hearing and direct staff to prepare an Ad Valorem Tax Resolution in the amount of $5,760,213 for OMPD Board approval on November 10, 2025.
2. Hold a public hearing. Close the hearing and direct staff to prepare an Ad Valorem Tax Resolution in a different amount.
3. Hold a public hearing. Do not close the hearing and schedule a special meeting to continue the public hearing.
Financial Impact:
Provides $5,760,213 in property tax revenue to the Olympia Metropolitan Park District
Attachments:
None.