District Frequently Asked Questions
How is the facility currently run?
The facility is operated by the Fidalgo Parks and Recreation District, separate from the city or county. It is governed by five elected commissioners.
How much does it cost to run the facility?
Annual budget for 2025 is approximately $1.5 Million.
How is the facility funded?
FPFC is a stand-alone Parks & Recreation District with no affiliation or tax revenue from the City, County, or Schools. Half of our operating budget comes from the levy and the other half comes from user fees.
When will the change go into effect?
If approved by voters the newly established Fidalgo Metropolitan Park District will take effect in 2027.
Is this a new tax, and how will my taxes be affected?
The Fidalgo Metropolitan Recreation District would not add a new tax for most people; it would replace the current Operations and Maintenance levy that Fidalgo Island residents already see on your taxes under Fidalgo Park & Recreation District. New boundary will align with the current Anacortes School District.
The ballot resolution has a set levy rate cap not to exceed 12 cents per $1,000.00 assessed house value. Any future tax increase above the annual 1% cap requires a vote.
The expanded district boundaries would spread the annual levy amount across more properties in our community.
How many people use the facility?
The facility is averaging more than 6,500 individual visits each month. This doesn’t include visits by the two club swim teams consisting of 80 youth swimmers and 42 adult swimmers that use the facility almost daily.
Will the Metropolitan District pay for a new facility?
No. The Metropolitan Park District will not fund a new facility. The levy pays only for maintenance and operations. Any future building would need to go to the voters as a separate issue.
Will voters lose their ability to have input to the facility budget.
No. The budget is approved through open, public commissioner meetings. Residents have a right to address their concerns at these monthly meetings held on the third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. They may contact the commissioners at any time by emailing commissioners@fidalgopool.com.