October 20, 2023 • 21 mins
Are you aware there will be a $60 million dollar Parks Bond on your ballot for Fuquay Varina this municipal election? This conversation takes you on a journey through the fascinating intricacies of Fuquay Varina's bond history and the 2023 Parks Bond, itself. From the 2015 and 2021 bond referendums and their impact on property taxes to the ins and outs of the current bond referendum and its potential implications on property taxes, we leave no stone unturned. We break it all down to give you a clear understanding of what you will be voting on this election so that you may be a more informed citizen heading into this year's election!
2023 Parks and Recreation Bond Information
Fuquay Varina Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum
--October 24, 2023 at 7:00 PM
--Fuquay Varina Arts Center
--123 E. Vance Street, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
Campaign Finance Reports for All Candidate Committees
Voter Information
--Register to Vote
--Voter Info (Designated Polling Places, Sample Ballots, Registration Status, Voting Jurisdiction, Verify Address and Party Affiliation)
--Election Information
--Election Day Voting FAQs
--Absentee by Mail FAQs
Early Voting Locations
October 19th-November 4th
Wake County Board of Elections Office: 1200 N. New Hope Rd., Raleigh, 27610
October 28th-November 4th
--Avery Street Recreation Center: 125 Avery St., Garner, 27529
--John M. Brown Community Center: 53 Hunter St., Apex, 27502
Bus Routes for Early Voting
ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, November 7th from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
As always, if you are interested in being on or sponsoring the podcast or if you have any particular issues, thoughts, or questions you'd like explored on the podcast, please email NCDeepDive@gmail.com. Your contributions would be greatly appreciated.
Now, let's dive in!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Amanda Benbow Lunn (00:13):
Hello friends, you are listening to
the Holly Springs Deep Divepodcast, soon to be called the
NC Deep Dive.
I am your host, Amanda BenbowLunn, and today we will be
unraveling Fuquay Varina's 2023Parks Bond.
While I did reach out to a fewindividuals, including the Towns
Communication Director, theParks, Recreation and Cultural
(00:34):
Resources Director and a TownCommissioner, I was unable to
find someone willing to sharetheir time and speak to you via
this medium.
I think part of the reason isthat this is still labeled the
Holly Springs Deep Dive and thatthis is the first year Fuquay
Varina has been included withthe election coverage.
Regardless, I personally feel,if even one person hears this
(00:54):
and becomes a more informedvoter, that it is more than
worth it.
So I am venturing forth withthis episode solo.
Please note, I only know what Iknow and am by no means an
expert.
What I do know has been gleanedfrom Fuquay Varina's website,
my conversations with the HollySprings Town Manager and Parks
and Recreation Director abouttheir upcoming 2023 Parks Bond,
(01:16):
and just general internetsearches.
If you have specific questions,you can reach out to Fuquay
Varina's Communications Director, Susan Weis, at 919-552-1417,
or by emailing her at sweis@Fuquay-Varina.
org.
(01:37):
Without further ado,First off, let's start from the
beginning with what a bondreferendum is, as that is what
will be on your ballot.
Basically, it's your board ofcommissioners seeing a need and
allowing you, as voters, to makethe decision to proceed or not.
The bond referendum will stateas follows on your ballot in the
(02:00):
upcoming municipal election,shall the order authorizing
Fuquay Varina general obligationbonds in the maximum amount of
$60 million, plus interest, topay capital costs of providing
parks and recreationalfacilities and paying related
costs, and providing thatadditional taxes may be levied
in an amount sufficient to paythe principal of an interest on
(02:23):
the bonds, as adopted by thetown's board of commissioners on
July 10, 2023, be approved.
You will simply be voting yesor no.
If the majority of voterschoose yes, the town will be
authorized to issue up to $60million in GO bonds to put
towards the park and recreationprojects.
If the majority of voterschoose no, the town will not be
(02:45):
authorized to issue these funds.
Why general obligation bonds,also known as GO bonds?
Go bonds and our AAA creditrating result in lower borrowing
costs for taxpayers.
A AAA credit rating is denotedfor having the best prospects
for ongoing viability and thelowest expectation of failure
(03:05):
risk.
They are assigned only toinstitutions with extremely
strong and stable fundamentalcharacteristics, such that they
are the most unlikely to have torely on extraordinary support
to avoid default.
These bonds make capitalprojects more affordable and put
less stress on the town'sbudget, and allow the town to
pay back via installments ratherthan 100% upfront.
(03:27):
If passed, the town will haveup to seven years to issue the
GO bonds up to the total amountauthorized, which in this case
is $60 million, and they willhave 20 years to pay it back,
based on the date of issuance.
And just because they areasking for the $60 million, it
doesn't mean they willnecessarily take all of it out
(03:48):
or take all of it out at thesame time, the board would have
the ability to assess the taxrate and only adjust it as they
feel it is necessary.
For example, if the townreleased $30 million of the $60
million bond to begin with, theboard would only be considering
for this moment any taxadjustments solely for the $30
million and they would have 20years to pay back that $30
(04:10):
million.
They would make furtherdeterminations about the
property taxes as they issuemore funds and if they issue
more funds later, they will have20 years from that moment to
pay back that amount.
Go bonds allow both current andfuture taxpayers to share the
costs, allowing for moreequitable funding by all
taxpayers who may benefit fromthe bond projects.
(04:33):
Now, all this to say, at anytime, the board has the right to
adjust property taxes as theysee fit to cover other town
expenses beyond their potentialprojects included in this bond
referendum for the Parks,Recreation and Cultural
Resources Department.
Let's talk a bit about FuquayVarina's bond history before we
dive into the one that will beon your upcoming ballot.
(04:54):
The first I'll start with is a2015 bond referendum that passed
.
It was for a total of $26million.
$21 million was allotted forseveral transportation projects,
including the completion of theNorthwest Loop of Judd Parkway.
Fuquay Varina was able to usethis portion of the bond funding
to receive another $21 millionin transportation grants from
(05:17):
state and federal authorities.
The other $5 million of thisbond referendum went towards
water and sewer lines for thewater treatment plant expansion.
The projected tax impact forthis referendum was slated for 6
.
75 cents per $100 of propertyvalue.
Looking back at Fuquay Varina'stax history, in 2016, there was
(05:39):
only a 4.
75 cent increase and thisincrease only lasted four years
before dropping another 3.
7$0.375 cents.
Then, two years ago, back in2021, Fuquay Varina had two bond
referendums on the ballot for atotal of $38.5 million.
One was another transportationbond for $20 million to improve
(06:02):
traffic flow and congestion inthe town and to leverage further
state and federal matchingtransportation grants.
This bond, which passed, wasprojected to increase our local
property taxes by 2.
5 cents per $100 valuation.
The other bond referendum thatthe majority of voters voted in
at this time was an $18.5million parks bond.
(06:24):
This bond has funded thecommunity center north at
Hilltop-N eedmore Town Park andPreserve.
They just broke ground on thismulti-generational facility a
month or so ago.
It will feature threegymnasiums, two racquetball
courts, an elevated indoorwalking track, fitness areas, a
teaching kitchen, multi-purposeclassrooms and a dedicated
(06:46):
active adult wing for those 55and older.
This community center isexpected to open towards the end
of next year.
Again, this bond was for $18.5million and they projected a
total of 4 and a half centsproperty tax increase per $100
of property value.
The town has issued theentirety of the $18.5 million,
(07:08):
but they were able to accomplishit with just a 3 cent property
tax increase.
Since these two bondreferendums passed in 2021,
Fuquay Varina's tax rate hasincreased by $0.06 total.
While I was unable to findonline anything on the actual
tax impact for thetransportation portion.
Since the park's bond impactwas $0.03, I am left to assume
(07:31):
the town needed to raise themunicipal property taxes by
another $0.03 for thetransportation bond instead of
the projected 2.
5 cents.
Now, just two years later, theyhave another parks bond on the
ballot.
Why is that?
Back in 2022, the town issuedtheir annual community survey.
92% of residents indicated thatFuquay Varina is a great place
(07:54):
to live.
Residents also specified thatthe quality of parks in
greenways is a major priority.
According to the website, thetown states our parks, trails,
recreation facilities andprograms significantly
contribute to the residents'quality of life, providing
recreational opportunities andfacilities that enhance social
development and communitywell-being.
(08:14):
The town believes they are akey component of our community's
new growth and strong roots.
Use of green spaces isassociated with decreased health
complaints, improved bloodpressure and cholesterol levels,
reduced stress, improvedgeneral health perceptions and a
greater ability to faceproblems.
Depending on the study,scientists have found those
(08:35):
living in spaces with more greenareas may have 33 to 44 percent
lower incidences ofphysician-diagnosed anxiety
disorders.
93 percent of US adults saytheir mental health is improved
by services offered by localpark and recreation departments.
The top three mental healthopportunities found in parks and
rec include socializing withfriends and family, spending
(08:59):
time in nature and exercising.
According to a study by NCState, maintaining green spaces
in parks has the potential tolower risk of both property and
violent crimes, for a fewreasons.
One is because contact withnature relieves mental fatigue,
stress and aggression, which areprecursors to crime.
Another reason is that parksand green spaces promote
(09:20):
positive social interactions andconnections.
We get to meet our neighborsand truly see them and their
humanity as part of our village,which increases our empathy and
the levels at which we care forthem.
Thirdly, when parks and greenspaces cater to the needs of the
community and residentsactually use them, it puts more
eyes on the streets, creatingconstant community surveillance.
(09:41):
When parks are allowed todeteriorate, they then can
become magnets for crime.
With our population continuingto rise quickly and residents
finding immense value in parksand recreational opportunities,
the town is striving to meet theneeds of our community today
and in the future byconstructing new recreation
facilities and town parkamenities, while also enhancing
(10:03):
existing facilities.
Five potential projects havebeen identified, if the bond
funding is authorized by voters,they are a future recreational
park that is 70 plus acres,featuring baseball, softball,
soccer and similar outdoorathletic fields, a shelter,
restrooms and other amenities.
The location for this is yet tobe determined.
(10:25):
The second project is theHilltop Needmore Town Park and
Preserve improvements andimplementation of priorities
from the town's adopted masterplan, which include two ball
fields, pickleball courts,resurfacing of walking trails
and additional parking.
The third potential projectincludes an indoor sports
complex for basketball,pickleball, volleyball and other
(10:47):
indoor sports.
The fourth potential projectwould be greenways that are to
be determined and the fifthpotential project would include
renovations to the Fuquay VarinaCommunity Center.
How are these potentialprojects chosen?
According to the town's website,every four to five years the
parks, recreation and culturalresources department performs a
(11:08):
needs assessment of recreationalfacilities, called a
comprehensive system-wide masterplan.
As part of that study, thedepartment examines how
facilities and programs are usedand current growth trends.
Using surveys and publicoutreach, citizens provide input
on the recreationalopportunities they want to see
in Fuquay Varina.
The town factors in existingfacilities maintenance needs and
(11:31):
they devise a plan.
The 2024 comprehensivesystem-wide master plan lists
$68,509,890 million in projects.
To pay for these investments,the town will utilize a
combination of recreation unitfees, state-funded grants such
as parks and recreation trustfunds, other grant opportunities
(11:53):
and a $60 million bondreferendum, and that is what
will be on your ballot.
In the past four years, theParks, Recreation and Cultural
Resources Department has seensignificant growth in youth and
adult sports, gymnasium use andrecreation program participation
.
Existing facilities are underheavy demand as the use has
(12:13):
steadily increased each year.
For example, youth sportsparticipation has risen 47.6%
since 2019.
Due to facility constraints, insome instances sports
registration has been capped,practice times have been limited
and the number of games reducedto accommodate facility
limitations.
The current community centergym is at full utilization and
(12:36):
the community center north gyms,when built, will alleviate some
of that pressure.
However, additional gym spacewill be needed to meet citizen
demand.
Improvements and implementationof priorities from the adopted
master plan are in store for thehilltop need, more town park
and preserve.
Two separate surveys indicatethat greenways are important to
Fuquaverina citizens.
(12:57):
The master plan surveys, publicinput efforts identified paths
and greenways as a top priorityfor new construction over the
next five years.
In the 2022 community surveyadministered by the town,
residents indicated that theparks and recreation
department's top emphasis overthe next two years should be the
number of walking, biking andgreenway trails and, lastly, for
(13:20):
the community center project.
While bringing on newfacilities, it is essential to
maintain existing ones.
We've talked a bit about whatthe $60 million parks and
recreation bond will cover.
Now let's dive into the taximplications.
The town believes we could seean increase of up to $0.08 per
$100 of property value.
Again, this is only aprojection.
(13:42):
The town suggests the impact ona median family home they value
at $280,106 as of January of2022 would be about $224 per
year or $19 per month.
However, wake Countyreevaluates real estate
properties every four years.
(14:03):
We are due for thisreassessment next year and since
property values have increasedquite a bit over the past four
years in our area, this valuewill likely be much higher.
Checking out various resourcesonline, our median home value
seems to range from $435,000 to$500,000, which would equivalent
(14:23):
to $348 to $400 per year or $29to $33 per month in property
tax increase.
The town states that they havehistorically tried to minimize
the tax impact by utilizinggrowth in revenues helped by the
growing population, grantfunding and staggering the
projects in phases.
(14:43):
Looking at the actual propertytax figures for Fuquay Varina
may help some voters.
From 1987 to 2007, our localmunicipal property taxes were
over $0.50 per $100 of propertytax value, with the highest
being $0.70 in the early 90s.
This was likely due to a muchsmaller population.
(15:04):
In 2008, Wake County's realestate reappraisal went into
effect which, aligned with theGreat Recession, our local
property tax plummeted to 38 1/2cents per $100 valuation, so
again it went down quitedrastically.
It stayed there until 2016,when real estate was reappraised
(15:25):
and the 2015 transportationbond passed.
At that point it went up from38.
5 cents to 43.
25 cents, where it remaineduntil the next Wake County tax
assessment, where it fell to 391/2 cents.
In 2022, it raised $0.03,likely from the passing of the
(15:45):
2021 parks bond.
This year it raised by another$0.03 to 45.
5 cents per $100 property value,which I assume was related to
the 2021 transportation bondpassing.
To recap, since 2011, we haveseen a net increase in municipal
property taxes of $0.07.
Currently, there are eightmunicipalities within Wake
(16:08):
County with higher property taxrates and six that have lower
property tax rates.
So we are right around middle.
Fuquay Varina seems to have apattern of increasing their
property tax rates quite a bitfor a few years and then
lowering them quite a bit for afew years.
We seem to be on an upwardtrend right now and even if they
can limit the tax impact from$0.08 to $0.
(16:29):
05, we are still looking at alocal property tax rate of over
$0.50 per $100 of propertyvaluation, which Fuqya Varina
hasn't seen since 2007, justbefore the Great Recession.
As of the recording of thisepisode, the Fuquay Varina
Chamber of Commerce has notweighed in on the economic
impact to local businesses orthe town in general.
(16:50):
They are planning to discuss itsoon so they can consider
endorsing the Parks B ond attheir next board meeting.
They will be hosting theirCandidate Forum on October 24th
at 7pm at the Fuquay Varina ArtsCenter.
They will be gatheringcommunity questions soon and
hope for your assistance.
It will be interesting to seeif the residents of Fuquay
(17:11):
Varina feel they are able totake this on or if it may end up
being too much to pay at themoment, especially since Wake
County will be reassessingproperty values.
That is the great thing aboutthis being a bond referendum
Residents get to choose bycasting their vote.
A simple majority of yes willmean that the town may authorize
the go bonds up to $60 million.
A simple majority of no willmean that the town is not
(17:35):
authorized to issue these bonds.
If that happens, the town wouldneed to cap participation in
certain youth sports programs.
Furthermore, some projects maybe postponed or eliminated
entirely.
The town board may also chooseto advance a portion of the
identified bond projects throughother funding mechanisms, which
may mean projects may betackled in later years and or at
(17:57):
possibly a higher cost.
The board also has the power toestablish an altered bond
referendum during futureelection cycles for different
amounts, proposed projects andor tax implications that
residents would then have theability to reassess and vote on.
No matter what residentsultimately decide with their
vote, the town of Fuquay Varinawill continually be reassessing
(18:20):
what the priorities are of itscommunity members, encouraging
community feedback and doingtheir best to continue serving
the community in ways that aremeaningful.
Fuquay Varina relies on you toshare your feedback on what is
meaningful to you by completingsurveys as they are released and
speaking with the town's Parksand Recreation Advisory Board.
Their meetings are open to thepublic and are held at 7pm on
(18:44):
the second Monday of each month.
Remember that early voting hasalready started in Raleigh and
will begin in Apex and Garnerstarting on October 28th.
Early voting will end onNovember 4th.
Anyone in Wake County may voteat any of these early voting
election places during the earlyvoting period.
Election Day is Tuesday,November 7th.
(19:06):
On Election Day, you must voteat your specified polling place.
Please make a plan now to voteand make your voice heard.
Of special note, this will bethe first time photo ID is
required.
Please check in with those whohave recently moved here, your
elderly friends and family andthose who may not have a license
or drive, to make sure they areready and able to vote when the
(19:27):
time comes.
I will include important linksabout this 2023 Parks Bond,
along with general votinginformation, including bus
routes to early voting locations, in this episode's show notes.
That brings this episode of theHolly Springs Deep Dive podcast
, soon to be called the NC DeepDive, to a close.
Make sure you check out therest of our election coverage,
(19:50):
including our CandidateConversations, where you can
learn more about those runningfor Fuquay Varina's Board of
Commissioners, also known insome places as Town Council.
As always, if you have anytopics or thoughts you'd like to
share, you may do so throughsocial media or emailing
hollyspringspodcast@ gmail.
com.
Thank you for listening totoday's episode and becoming a
(20:13):
more informed voter.
Our next topic will dive intofinding connection and making
friends as adults.
Be on the lookout for furtherepisodes at www.
hollyspringsdeepdive.
com, spotify, apple Podcasts,audible or wherever you
typically listen to podcasts.
If you found value in today'sepisode, I'd love for you to
(20:33):
please subscribe, rate andreview it.
Until next time, my friends,namaste.
The love and light in me seesand honors the love and light in
you.
Hello friends, you are listening to
the Holly Springs Deep Divepodcast, soon to be called the
NC Deep Dive.
I am your host, Amanda BenbowLunn, and today we will be
unraveling Fuquay Varina's 2023Parks Bond.
While I did reach out to a fewindividuals, including the Towns
Communication Director, theParks, Recreation and Cultural
(00:34):
Resources Director and a TownCommissioner, I was unable to
find someone willing to sharetheir time and speak to you via
this medium.
I think part of the reason isthat this is still labeled the
Holly Springs Deep Dive and thatthis is the first year Fuquay
Varina has been included withthe election coverage.
Regardless, I personally feel,if even one person hears this
(00:54):
and becomes a more informedvoter, that it is more than
worth it.
So I am venturing forth withthis episode solo.
Please note, I only know what Iknow and am by no means an
expert.
What I do know has been gleanedfrom Fuquay Varina's website,
my conversations with the HollySprings Town Manager and Parks
and Recreation Director abouttheir upcoming 2023 Parks Bond,
(01:16):
and just general internetsearches.
If you have specific questions,you can reach out to Fuquay
Varina's Communications Director, Susan Weis, at 919-552-1417,
or by emailing her at sweis@Fuquay-Varina.
org.
(01:37):
Without further ado,First off, let's start from the
beginning with what a bondreferendum is, as that is what
will be on your ballot.
Basically, it's your board ofcommissioners seeing a need and
allowing you, as voters, to makethe decision to proceed or not.
The bond referendum will stateas follows on your ballot in the
(02:00):
upcoming municipal election,shall the order authorizing
Fuquay Varina general obligationbonds in the maximum amount of
$60 million, plus interest, topay capital costs of providing
parks and recreationalfacilities and paying related
costs, and providing thatadditional taxes may be levied
in an amount sufficient to paythe principal of an interest on
(02:23):
the bonds, as adopted by thetown's board of commissioners on
July 10, 2023, be approved.
You will simply be voting yesor no.
If the majority of voterschoose yes, the town will be
authorized to issue up to $60million in GO bonds to put
towards the park and recreationprojects.
If the majority of voterschoose no, the town will not be
(02:45):
authorized to issue these funds.
Why general obligation bonds,also known as GO bonds?
Go bonds and our AAA creditrating result in lower borrowing
costs for taxpayers.
A AAA credit rating is denotedfor having the best prospects
for ongoing viability and thelowest expectation of failure
(03:05):
risk.
They are assigned only toinstitutions with extremely
strong and stable fundamentalcharacteristics, such that they
are the most unlikely to have torely on extraordinary support
to avoid default.
These bonds make capitalprojects more affordable and put
less stress on the town'sbudget, and allow the town to
pay back via installments ratherthan 100% upfront.
(03:27):
If passed, the town will haveup to seven years to issue the
GO bonds up to the total amountauthorized, which in this case
is $60 million, and they willhave 20 years to pay it back,
based on the date of issuance.
And just because they areasking for the $60 million, it
doesn't mean they willnecessarily take all of it out
(03:48):
or take all of it out at thesame time, the board would have
the ability to assess the taxrate and only adjust it as they
feel it is necessary.
For example, if the townreleased $30 million of the $60
million bond to begin with, theboard would only be considering
for this moment any taxadjustments solely for the $30
million and they would have 20years to pay back that $30
(04:10):
million.
They would make furtherdeterminations about the
property taxes as they issuemore funds and if they issue
more funds later, they will have20 years from that moment to
pay back that amount.
Go bonds allow both current andfuture taxpayers to share the
costs, allowing for moreequitable funding by all
taxpayers who may benefit fromthe bond projects.
(04:33):
Now, all this to say, at anytime, the board has the right to
adjust property taxes as theysee fit to cover other town
expenses beyond their potentialprojects included in this bond
referendum for the Parks,Recreation and Cultural
Resources Department.
Let's talk a bit about FuquayVarina's bond history before we
dive into the one that will beon your upcoming ballot.
(04:54):
The first I'll start with is a2015 bond referendum that passed
.
It was for a total of $26million.
$21 million was allotted forseveral transportation projects,
including the completion of theNorthwest Loop of Judd Parkway.
Fuquay Varina was able to usethis portion of the bond funding
to receive another $21 millionin transportation grants from
(05:17):
state and federal authorities.
The other $5 million of thisbond referendum went towards
water and sewer lines for thewater treatment plant expansion.
The projected tax impact forthis referendum was slated for 6
.
75 cents per $100 of propertyvalue.
Looking back at Fuquay Varina'stax history, in 2016, there was
(05:39):
only a 4.
75 cent increase and thisincrease only lasted four years
before dropping another 3.
7$0.375 cents.
Then, two years ago, back in2021, Fuquay Varina had two bond
referendums on the ballot for atotal of $38.5 million.
One was another transportationbond for $20 million to improve
(06:02):
traffic flow and congestion inthe town and to leverage further
state and federal matchingtransportation grants.
This bond, which passed, wasprojected to increase our local
property taxes by 2.
5 cents per $100 valuation.
The other bond referendum thatthe majority of voters voted in
at this time was an $18.5million parks bond.
(06:24):
This bond has funded thecommunity center north at
Hilltop-N eedmore Town Park andPreserve.
They just broke ground on thismulti-generational facility a
month or so ago.
It will feature threegymnasiums, two racquetball
courts, an elevated indoorwalking track, fitness areas, a
teaching kitchen, multi-purposeclassrooms and a dedicated
(06:46):
active adult wing for those 55and older.
This community center isexpected to open towards the end
of next year.
Again, this bond was for $18.5million and they projected a
total of 4 and a half centsproperty tax increase per $100
of property value.
The town has issued theentirety of the $18.5 million,
(07:08):
but they were able to accomplishit with just a 3 cent property
tax increase.
Since these two bondreferendums passed in 2021,
Fuquay Varina's tax rate hasincreased by $0.06 total.
While I was unable to findonline anything on the actual
tax impact for thetransportation portion.
Since the park's bond impactwas $0.03, I am left to assume
(07:31):
the town needed to raise themunicipal property taxes by
another $0.03 for thetransportation bond instead of
the projected 2.
5 cents.
Now, just two years later, theyhave another parks bond on the
ballot.
Why is that?
Back in 2022, the town issuedtheir annual community survey.
92% of residents indicated thatFuquay Varina is a great place
(07:54):
to live.
Residents also specified thatthe quality of parks in
greenways is a major priority.
According to the website, thetown states our parks, trails,
recreation facilities andprograms significantly
contribute to the residents'quality of life, providing
recreational opportunities andfacilities that enhance social
development and communitywell-being.
(08:14):
The town believes they are akey component of our community's
new growth and strong roots.
Use of green spaces isassociated with decreased health
complaints, improved bloodpressure and cholesterol levels,
reduced stress, improvedgeneral health perceptions and a
greater ability to faceproblems.
Depending on the study,scientists have found those
(08:35):
living in spaces with more greenareas may have 33 to 44 percent
lower incidences ofphysician-diagnosed anxiety
disorders.
93 percent of US adults saytheir mental health is improved
by services offered by localpark and recreation departments.
The top three mental healthopportunities found in parks and
rec include socializing withfriends and family, spending
(08:59):
time in nature and exercising.
According to a study by NCState, maintaining green spaces
in parks has the potential tolower risk of both property and
violent crimes, for a fewreasons.
One is because contact withnature relieves mental fatigue,
stress and aggression, which areprecursors to crime.
Another reason is that parksand green spaces promote
(09:20):
positive social interactions andconnections.
We get to meet our neighborsand truly see them and their
humanity as part of our village,which increases our empathy and
the levels at which we care forthem.
Thirdly, when parks and greenspaces cater to the needs of the
community and residentsactually use them, it puts more
eyes on the streets, creatingconstant community surveillance.
(09:41):
When parks are allowed todeteriorate, they then can
become magnets for crime.
With our population continuingto rise quickly and residents
finding immense value in parksand recreational opportunities,
the town is striving to meet theneeds of our community today
and in the future byconstructing new recreation
facilities and town parkamenities, while also enhancing
(10:03):
existing facilities.
Five potential projects havebeen identified, if the bond
funding is authorized by voters,they are a future recreational
park that is 70 plus acres,featuring baseball, softball,
soccer and similar outdoorathletic fields, a shelter,
restrooms and other amenities.
The location for this is yet tobe determined.
(10:25):
The second project is theHilltop Needmore Town Park and
Preserve improvements andimplementation of priorities
from the town's adopted masterplan, which include two ball
fields, pickleball courts,resurfacing of walking trails
and additional parking.
The third potential projectincludes an indoor sports
complex for basketball,pickleball, volleyball and other
(10:47):
indoor sports.
The fourth potential projectwould be greenways that are to
be determined and the fifthpotential project would include
renovations to the Fuquay VarinaCommunity Center.
How are these potentialprojects chosen?
According to the town's website,every four to five years the
parks, recreation and culturalresources department performs a
(11:08):
needs assessment of recreationalfacilities, called a
comprehensive system-wide masterplan.
As part of that study, thedepartment examines how
facilities and programs are usedand current growth trends.
Using surveys and publicoutreach, citizens provide input
on the recreationalopportunities they want to see
in Fuquay Varina.
The town factors in existingfacilities maintenance needs and
(11:31):
they devise a plan.
The 2024 comprehensivesystem-wide master plan lists
$68,509,890 million in projects.
To pay for these investments,the town will utilize a
combination of recreation unitfees, state-funded grants such
as parks and recreation trustfunds, other grant opportunities
(11:53):
and a $60 million bondreferendum, and that is what
will be on your ballot.
In the past four years, theParks, Recreation and Cultural
Resources Department has seensignificant growth in youth and
adult sports, gymnasium use andrecreation program participation
.
Existing facilities are underheavy demand as the use has
(12:13):
steadily increased each year.
For example, youth sportsparticipation has risen 47.6%
since 2019.
Due to facility constraints, insome instances sports
registration has been capped,practice times have been limited
and the number of games reducedto accommodate facility
limitations.
The current community centergym is at full utilization and
(12:36):
the community center north gyms,when built, will alleviate some
of that pressure.
However, additional gym spacewill be needed to meet citizen
demand.
Improvements and implementationof priorities from the adopted
master plan are in store for thehilltop need, more town park
and preserve.
Two separate surveys indicatethat greenways are important to
Fuquaverina citizens.
(12:57):
The master plan surveys, publicinput efforts identified paths
and greenways as a top priorityfor new construction over the
next five years.
In the 2022 community surveyadministered by the town,
residents indicated that theparks and recreation
department's top emphasis overthe next two years should be the
number of walking, biking andgreenway trails and, lastly, for
(13:20):
the community center project.
While bringing on newfacilities, it is essential to
maintain existing ones.
We've talked a bit about whatthe $60 million parks and
recreation bond will cover.
Now let's dive into the taximplications.
The town believes we could seean increase of up to $0.08 per
$100 of property value.
Again, this is only aprojection.
(13:42):
The town suggests the impact ona median family home they value
at $280,106 as of January of2022 would be about $224 per
year or $19 per month.
However, wake Countyreevaluates real estate
properties every four years.
(14:03):
We are due for thisreassessment next year and since
property values have increasedquite a bit over the past four
years in our area, this valuewill likely be much higher.
Checking out various resourcesonline, our median home value
seems to range from $435,000 to$500,000, which would equivalent
(14:23):
to $348 to $400 per year or $29to $33 per month in property
tax increase.
The town states that they havehistorically tried to minimize
the tax impact by utilizinggrowth in revenues helped by the
growing population, grantfunding and staggering the
projects in phases.
(14:43):
Looking at the actual propertytax figures for Fuquay Varina
may help some voters.
From 1987 to 2007, our localmunicipal property taxes were
over $0.50 per $100 of propertytax value, with the highest
being $0.70 in the early 90s.
This was likely due to a muchsmaller population.
(15:04):
In 2008, Wake County's realestate reappraisal went into
effect which, aligned with theGreat Recession, our local
property tax plummeted to 38 1/2cents per $100 valuation, so
again it went down quitedrastically.
It stayed there until 2016,when real estate was reappraised
(15:25):
and the 2015 transportationbond passed.
At that point it went up from38.
5 cents to 43.
25 cents, where it remaineduntil the next Wake County tax
assessment, where it fell to 391/2 cents.
In 2022, it raised $0.03,likely from the passing of the
(15:45):
2021 parks bond.
This year it raised by another$0.03 to 45.
5 cents per $100 property value,which I assume was related to
the 2021 transportation bondpassing.
To recap, since 2011, we haveseen a net increase in municipal
property taxes of $0.07.
Currently, there are eightmunicipalities within Wake
(16:08):
County with higher property taxrates and six that have lower
property tax rates.
So we are right around middle.
Fuquay Varina seems to have apattern of increasing their
property tax rates quite a bitfor a few years and then
lowering them quite a bit for afew years.
We seem to be on an upwardtrend right now and even if they
can limit the tax impact from$0.08 to $0.
(16:29):
05, we are still looking at alocal property tax rate of over
$0.50 per $100 of propertyvaluation, which Fuqya Varina
hasn't seen since 2007, justbefore the Great Recession.
As of the recording of thisepisode, the Fuquay Varina
Chamber of Commerce has notweighed in on the economic
impact to local businesses orthe town in general.
(16:50):
They are planning to discuss itsoon so they can consider
endorsing the Parks B ond attheir next board meeting.
They will be hosting theirCandidate Forum on October 24th
at 7pm at the Fuquay Varina ArtsCenter.
They will be gatheringcommunity questions soon and
hope for your assistance.
It will be interesting to seeif the residents of Fuquay
(17:11):
Varina feel they are able totake this on or if it may end up
being too much to pay at themoment, especially since Wake
County will be reassessingproperty values.
That is the great thing aboutthis being a bond referendum
Residents get to choose bycasting their vote.
A simple majority of yes willmean that the town may authorize
the go bonds up to $60 million.
A simple majority of no willmean that the town is not
(17:35):
authorized to issue these bonds.
If that happens, the town wouldneed to cap participation in
certain youth sports programs.
Furthermore, some projects maybe postponed or eliminated
entirely.
The town board may also chooseto advance a portion of the
identified bond projects throughother funding mechanisms, which
may mean projects may betackled in later years and or at
(17:57):
possibly a higher cost.
The board also has the power toestablish an altered bond
referendum during futureelection cycles for different
amounts, proposed projects andor tax implications that
residents would then have theability to reassess and vote on.
No matter what residentsultimately decide with their
vote, the town of Fuquay Varinawill continually be reassessing
(18:20):
what the priorities are of itscommunity members, encouraging
community feedback and doingtheir best to continue serving
the community in ways that aremeaningful.
Fuquay Varina relies on you toshare your feedback on what is
meaningful to you by completingsurveys as they are released and
speaking with the town's Parksand Recreation Advisory Board.
Their meetings are open to thepublic and are held at 7pm on
(18:44):
the second Monday of each month.
Remember that early voting hasalready started in Raleigh and
will begin in Apex and Garnerstarting on October 28th.
Early voting will end onNovember 4th.
Anyone in Wake County may voteat any of these early voting
election places during the earlyvoting period.
Election Day is Tuesday,November 7th.
(19:06):
On Election Day, you must voteat your specified polling place.
Please make a plan now to voteand make your voice heard.
Of special note, this will bethe first time photo ID is
required.
Please check in with those whohave recently moved here, your
elderly friends and family andthose who may not have a license
or drive, to make sure they areready and able to vote when the
(19:27):
time comes.
I will include important linksabout this 2023 Parks Bond,
along with general votinginformation, including bus
routes to early voting locations, in this episode's show notes.
That brings this episode of theHolly Springs Deep Dive podcast
, soon to be called the NC DeepDive, to a close.
Make sure you check out therest of our election coverage,
(19:50):
including our CandidateConversations, where you can
learn more about those runningfor Fuquay Varina's Board of
Commissioners, also known insome places as Town Council.
As always, if you have anytopics or thoughts you'd like to
share, you may do so throughsocial media or emailing
hollyspringspodcast@ gmail.
com.
Thank you for listening totoday's episode and becoming a
(20:13):
more informed voter.
Our next topic will dive intofinding connection and making
friends as adults.
Be on the lookout for furtherepisodes at www.
hollyspringsdeepdive.
com, spotify, apple Podcasts,audible or wherever you
typically listen to podcasts.
If you found value in today'sepisode, I'd love for you to
(20:33):
please subscribe, rate andreview it.
Until next time, my friends,namaste.
The love and light in me seesand honors the love and light in
you.
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