Title: Public attitudes about financing municipal recreation

Author: Zwick, Rodney R.; More, Thomas A.; Nunez, Tad

Year: 2008

Publication: In: LeBlanc, Cherie; Vogt, Christine, comps. Proceedings of the 2007 northeastern recreation research symposium; 2007 April 15-17; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-23. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 264-269.

Abstract: Communities constantly seek creative financing for public services like recreation. Property tax remains central for financing, but user fees, grants, sales taxes, sponsorship, and bond issues have increased. This paper examines preferences for alternative funding mechanisms in a survey of Hartford, VT residents. Public support for municipal facilities and programs varied with use, age, income and employment. Residents opposed additional taxes, favoring grants, sponsorships, and user fees instead. But a substantial block of "swing" voters determine proposal success or failure.