In December 2007, I questioned the need for a property tax increase to fund the KCRMD operations. As a professional corporate restructuring executive, I anticipated significant opportunities to reduce expenses.

I reviewed the District's unaudited financial records for 2007 in January 2008.

Below is my opinion.

In general, it appears that KCRMD is managed in a fiscally effective manner. Regarding the payroll, the district's 18 total full-time employees were paid a total of 800 hours overtime, 400 of which went to two recreation staff who absorbed the workload of the recreation director who left and was not replaced. All full-time salaries are within levels for comparable government positions.

I asked an insurance broker I have used for many years to assess the Liability Insurance Policy and was told that it was unlikely that anyone could obtain a better rate.

The recreational programs, such as tennis lessons, are run at a profit and provide additional funds used to maintain our environment.

To residents who allege "waste," I challenge them to provide specific examples. In response to those who would suggest outsourcing of services such as mowing, I would ask them to provide a competitive bid.

For users of the recreational facilities, it's far more cost effective to pay a small, tax deductible increase in property taxes once per year than have to root for cash every time your child wanted a half hour swim.

For those who don't use the swimming pools, the tiny amount of property taxes saved by voting "no" will be lost 1000 times over in the value of our houses when we come to sell. The price of a house is based on one factor alone - demand. When I moved to the Valley 15 years ago, with 2 small children, it was specifically because of the provision of swimming pools and tennis courts by the HOA.

So my conclusion is that to make our environment more pleasant, enjoy the provision of free recreation facilities throughout the year, and increase our property values, vote "yes" to increase the property taxes.

Philip Varley
Ken-Caryl