Voters narrowly approved the creation of a Paola Recreation Commission in the Election on November 2nd. The Recreation Commission is a joint venture between the City of Paola and Paola USD 368. Voters agreed to establish a one-mill levy using the school district’s tax base. Organizers of the Commission wanted to use the school district’s tax base because it is larger, but it also meant voters outside Paola’s City limits would be able to have a say in the election. School District and City officials, along with City Council Members formed a Joint Task Force to support the Rec Commission. The Task Force concluded the best option was to propose the creation of a Recreation Commission by establishing a one-mill levy using the school district’s tax base. The mill will generate about $180,000 per year, officials estimate. The Rec Commission Board will have two members from the City, two from the School district and one at large. Officials say a Recreation Director will eventually be hired to conduct daily operations and Administer programming.
