What to know about the Polk County Fairgrounds levy vote on May 20

On May 20, voters in Polk County will decide whether to approve a property tax to fund the Polk County Fairgrounds.

The tax increase would fund renovation projects and needed upgrades for the fairgrounds, which last had major updates in 1995, according to the Fairgrounds Manager Tina Andersen.

Polk County Commissioners voted in January to put the levy on the May ballot.

If passed, the levy would raise millions of dollars over five years to fund repairs and renovations for the fairgrounds, which are located at 520 South Pacific Highway W. in Rickreall.

This is your guide to the proposed Polk County Fairgrounds levy, with answers to key questions surrounding the measure. It’s listed on the ballot as Measure 27-145.

How much would it cost?

Polk County voters would pay 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, which would be around $39 per year for an average Polk County home assessed at $258,000. A home’s assessed value is typically about half its market value.

Who pays? 

Property owners in Polk County will pay for the levy.

What does the levy pay for?

The levy would pay for upgrades and renovations at the fairgrounds, including a new HVAC system in the main building, electrical system upgrades, old sidewalk repairs and the development of the fairgrounds’ amphitheater and stage.

“Right now we are struggling to keep our doors open because we try not to be overpriced. Unfortunately we may have to change that if we can’t get the levy passed. But it is without a doubt an operating levy. It is for the fairgrounds itself,” Andersen told Salem Reporter last month. “I know that there have been other entities that have done the same thing and then gave everybody a big bonus and raise and then went back for more money. That is not what we are doing here. I promise … this is about taking the fairgrounds to the next level so we can continue to operate as the years go on.” 

It would also go towards building a new main office to replace the current maintenance shed.

“The floor needs some help and the outside needs to look like a decent building that someone would want to rent. The older it gets the harder it gets to keep up,” Fairgrounds Manager Tina Andersen told Salem Reporter last month.

How much would the levy raise?

In its first year, the levy is estimated to raise $1.2 million, according to county reports. The levy would raise a slightly larger amount each year, with $1.4 million estimated to be generated in 2029.

How long would the levy last?

If passed, the levy would last up to five years. It would likely return to the ballots for renewal after it ends in 2030.

What happens if it passes?

Property tax rates would increase around $39 per year for the average homeowner in Polk County.

What happens if it fails?

Property tax rates would stay the same, though other tax measures on the ballot could also affect rates.

This will be one of three property taxes on the ballot for West Salem voters. The city of Salem is asking voters to approve a property tax increase to close a $14 million budget deficit and avoid cuts to library, parks and senior services. Chemeketa Community College is proposing a property tax renewal to fund construction projects and education programs.

Who’s in favor?

A small political action committee has raised thousands of dollars in support of the levy, according to campaign finance activity. The committee is organized by Tim Ray, the dean of agriculture science and technology at Chemeketa Community College. Polk County Commissioners Craig Pope and Lyle Mordhorst have both contributed to the campaign, along with the Polk County Fair Foundation.

There is no organized opposition to the levy.

Contact reporter Madeleine Moore: [email protected].

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