Spanish Fork Life Center ignites South County controversy
Participants are shown on a TV monitor during a debate about the proposed Spanish Fork Life Center on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald
People listen to a debate about the proposed Spanish Fork Life Center on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald
Bret Bills speaks for those against during a debate about the proposed Spanish Fork Life Center on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald
A man sits in the back of a Spanish Fork Channel 17 broadcast van during a debate about the proposed Spanish Fork Life Center on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald
Cookies advocate one point of view during a debate about the proposed Spanish Fork Life Center on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald
Randy Chipman, fourth from left, speaks for those in favor while moderator Rick Evans and those against listen during a debate about the proposed Spanish Fork Life Center on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald
Signs and balloons sit at the back of the room during a debate about the proposed Spanish Fork Life Center on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald
People listen to a debate about the proposed Spanish Fork Life Center on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. SPENSER HEAPS, Daily Herald
One week from now, it is expected Spanish Fork residents will either breathe a sigh of relief or utter a cry of disappointment as the votes are tallied and the results are finalized in regard to the approval of a $40 million proposed bond to construct a community life center.
The idea of the life center — an approximately 140,000-square-foot hybrid facility that is part recreation center, part library and part senior citizen center — first surfaced in the community during the early spring, when a citizens committee was formed to evaluate various aspects of the center.
Following weeks of study and multiple meetings, the committee’s findings were introduced to the community at large, and following approval from the City Council on Aug. 18, the option of enacting a nearly $40 million general obligation bond to fund the facility was placed on the Nov. 3 election ballot.
Councilman Richard Davis was the only council member who voted against putting the issue up for a vote.
In the weeks leading up to the Nov. 3 election, various aspects of the proposed facility and bond have received all levels of support and criticism.
Opponents of the bond have said the center is too big, is a want as opposed to a need, and should not be located in the northeastern portion of the city Sports Park as is currently proposed.
Another common argument is the bond is just too plain expensive, as the average homeowner would be expected to pay an additional $201.90 per year in property taxes for up to 20 years — an increase of 166 percent on the city’s portion of property taxes.
As Spanish Fork resident Scott Ward argued during the Oct. 20 City Council meeting, “Especially in financially uncertain times it is irresponsible to saddle families with a 166 percent increase in property taxes.”
Bond supporters, however, have countered the arguments, saying the facility will increase the quality of life in Spanish Fork and that the need for such a center is real — especially in light of a 50-year-old library and 40-year-old senior center that are in need of an overhaul.
Supporters have also argued that by combining all three city facilities — recreation center, library and senior center — the Life Center proves itself a fiscally responsible option that would save the city more than $3 million compared to if the three buildings were constructed separately.
Sunday, Oct. 18: Orem City Council, Part I
Monday, Oct. 19: Orem City Council, Part II
Tuesday, Oct. 20: Provo Municipal Council, District 3
Wednesday: Provo Municipal Council, District 1
Thursday: Provo Municipal Council, Citywide II
Friday: Provo Municipal Council, District 5
Saturday: Provo Municipal Council, District 4
Sunday: Proposition 1
Monday: Provo RAP tax
Tuesday: Spanish Fork Life Center
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