Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Parks and Green Spaces Levy Oversight Committee are holding a public hearing on Monday, June 27 to discuss their recommendation to spend $10 million of Levy inflation.

Seattle voters passed the Parks and Green Spaces Levy by a 59% vote in November 2008. This Levy included an inflation allowance intended to ensure that projects built in the final years of the Levy would have sufficient funding. To date, Levy projects have not experienced inflation costs and have benefitted from a competitive bid climate.

The Citizen Oversight Committee’s recommendation is to re-allocate inflation allowance funds for a specific set of projects that includes essential roof replacements at community centers and comfort station (restrooms) renovations.

A letter from the Oversight Committee Chair, Pete Spalding, describes the recommendation.

"We encourage the public to attend Committee meetings and invite you to comment on issues during the public comment period at each meeting. Your written comments are also welcome," the Website states.

The Citizen Oversight Committee is a 16 member committee that reviews expenditures, advises on allocations for upcoming budget years, makes recommendations on Opportunity Fund expenditures, and performs other duties. Members have staggered terms, are appointed by the Mayor (eight members) and City Council (eight members) and are appointed to represent the community at large geographically.

The hearing will take place Monday, June 27 from 7 – 9 p.m. at Jefferson Community Center on 3801 Beacon Ave. S.

For more information, visit http://seattle.gov/parks/levy/oversight.asp.