Tumwater residents weigh in on how to fund proposed community center

A survey conducted by the City of Tumwater to gather public input about a proposed community center showed that a vast majority of participants agree to funding the operating costs of the facility through a combination of fees and charges, as well as with taxes. 

According to the survey, more than one-third agreed that half of the facility’s funding should come from fees or charges, while the remainder of the costs should be funded through taxes. 

Currently, Tumwater residents are paying a property tax of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value to fund recreational projects and facilities. 

Around one-quarter of the people surveyed stated that 75% of the costs should be subsidized by the city through tax, while more than 10% believed that none of the costs should be subsidized. 

Less than 10% agreed taxes should fully fund the facility. 

Asked what kind of fees or charges participants were willing to pay, a monthly individual membership fee was the most popular choice, followed by a 10-day pass, an annual family membership fee, a daily admission fee and an annual individual membership fee. 

The survey also found that around one-quarter of the participants were willing to pay less than $40 for a monthly membership fee. Close to one-third stated that they would pay less than $7 for a daily admission fee.  

The city contracted with recreation facility planning firm Ballard*King & Associates to perform the online survey held from Dec. 10-30, 2024. A total of 741 individuals participated in the survey, with more than 80% being Tumwater residents.  

A summary report of the survey results can be viewed here. 

Equitable access 

The results of the survey were discussed during a Tumwater City Council meeting on Jan. 28, where Councilman Michael Althauser asked Scott Caron from Ballard*King how other jurisdictions provide access to individuals who have no means of paying for fees. 

Carron answered that other communities implement a scholarship program, which Tumwater already does to an extent or simply lower fees for wider public access.

He added that other community centers make certain parts of the facility free for everyone, such as lobbies, game rooms and classrooms, while fees would be reserved for facilities that have higher operating costs.