Measure R
Frequently Asked Questions

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FAQ for Measure R.pdf

General Questions

What is Measure R?
Measure R is a proposed local parcel tax for the Rim of the World Recreation and Park District. If approved by at least two-thirds of voters on November 3, 2026, the measure would increase the District’s existing annual parcel tax from $22 to $37 per parcel.

Why is Measure R being proposed?
The District’s current $22 parcel tax has not kept pace with the rising cost of maintaining facilities, providing recreation programs, and operating the District. The proposed measure would provide a more stable local funding source to help maintain parks, facilities, programs, and services.

How much would the tax increase?
The proposed increase is $15 per year per parcel, bringing the annual parcel tax from $22 to $37. That is an increase of approximately $1.25 per month.

Would the tax increase every year?
The proposed measure allows the parcel tax to be adjusted by 1% annually to help account for changing costs. Any adjustment would be subject to the terms and limitations established in the measure.

When would Measure R appear on the ballot?
Measure R is scheduled to appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

How many votes are required for Measure R to pass?
Because Measure R is a special tax, it requires approval by two-thirds of voters voting on the measure.

 

About Your Local Park District

Is the Rim of the World Recreation and Park District part of San Bernardino County? No. The Rim of the World Recreation and Park District is an independent local special district, not a department of San Bernardino County. The District is governed by a locally elected five-member Board of Directors and provides recreation programs, parks, facilities, and services throughout its service area. Board members are community volunteers and receive no compensation for serving on the Board. The District receives no state or county funding for ongoing operations and relies on the current $22-per-year Special Parcel Tax paid by property owners within its boundaries. The Special Parcel Tax currently provides approximately 70% of the District’s $1.1 million annual operating budget.

Who does the District serve?
The District serves residents, property owners, and visitors throughout the Rim of the World area, including communities from Crestline to Green Valley Lake and surrounding mountain communities.

I already pay property taxes. Why is there a separate parcel tax?
A parcel tax is a separate local funding source approved by voters. The District does not receive a share of general property tax revenues in the same way some other local government agencies do. The District relies on a combination of parcel-tax revenues, program fees, facility rentals, grants, donations, and other revenues to support operations.

Why should I care if I don’t use the parks or recreation programs? The District’s role extends beyond individual recreation programs. It maintains parks, athletic fields, playgrounds, community centers, facilities, and other public recreation assets that contribute to the quality of life and community infrastructure of the mountain area. These facilities can also serve as important community resources during power outages, wildfires, extreme weather, and other emergencies, providing space for public information, meetings, and disaster response efforts. The District also works with agencies and organizations, including Southern California Edison, San Bernardino County OES, local fire departments, FEMA, and the Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council, to support mountain communities.

 

Where Would Measure R Funds Go?

What would the additional funding be used for?
Measure R funds would provide additional local funding for the District's parks, recreation programs, facilities, and services. Priorities include maintaining and repairing aging facilities, addressing increasing operating costs, supporting recreation programs, and preserving community spaces.

Would Measure R funds stay local?
Yes. Funds generated by the measure would be dedicated to the Rim of the World Recreation and Park District and used to support District operations, facilities, programs, and services.

Will the money be used for other government agencies?
No. Measure R is a local District funding measure. The revenue would be used by the Rim of the World Recreation and Park District for District purposes.

Does the District have to account for how the money is spent?
Yes. The District is subject to public budgeting, financial reporting, auditing, and other governmental accountability requirements.

 

Why Does the District Need Additional Funding?

Why isn't the current $22 parcel tax enough?
The existing parcel tax was approved in 2010 and has remained at $22 per year. During that time, the cost of goods, services, utilities, insurance, maintenance, construction, and other operating expenses has increased substantially. The District has also experienced increasing costs associated with maintaining aging facilities and responding to repairs and unexpected damage.

Has the District already taken steps to reduce costs?
Yes. The District has taken steps to control expenses and increase cost recovery, including conducting a comprehensive fee study and implementing a Full Cost Recovery Model. The District has also adjusted programs, staffing, and operations in response to financial constraints.

Why can't program fees cover everything?
Program and rental fees are an important part of the District's revenue, but fees cannot reasonably cover all the costs associated with maintaining community facilities, parks, fields, playgrounds, and other public recreation spaces. A stable local funding source helps support the infrastructure and services that benefit the broader community.

What Happens If Measure R Does Not Pass?

What happens if Measure R is not approved?
If Measure R does not receive the required two-thirds voter approval, the existing $22 parcel tax would remain in place. The District would continue to operate within its available revenues and would need to evaluate future budgets, programs, staffing, maintenance, and facility needs based on available funding.

Would programs or facilities immediately close if Measure R does not pass?
Programs or facilities would not necessarily close immediately; however, the District would continue to face financial constraints and would need to determine how available funds are prioritized as needs and costs change.

 

Understanding the Numbers

How much additional revenue is Measure R expected to generate?
The proposed $15 increase is estimated to generate approximately $510,000 in additional annual revenue in the first year, based on the number of taxable parcels subject to the measure.

How much does the District's annual budget cost to operate?
The District's FY 2025–26 budget is approximately $1.131 million.

Does the parcel tax pay for the entire District budget?
No. The District's revenue comes from multiple sources. Parcel-tax revenue is an important component, while the remainder comes primarily from program fees, facility rentals, grants, donations, and other revenues.

About Your Property

How much will Measure R cost me?
For a parcel subject to the tax, the proposed increase is $15 per year, from $22 to $37 annually. That's approximately $1.25 more per month.

Does every property pay the same amount?
The measure applies according to the parcel-tax structure established in the ballot measure. Certain properties or parcels may qualify for exemptions as provided by law and the measure.

Will renters have to pay Measure R?
The parcel tax is imposed on qualifying parcels rather than directly on individual residents. How the cost is handled between a property owner and tenant depends on the terms of their rental agreement and applicable law.

 

Parks, Programs & Services

What does the Rim of the World Recreation and Park District actually provide?
The District provides and maintains community recreation spaces and offers programs and activities for children, adults, families, and older adults. Programs have included youth and adult sports and dance, fitness programs, Altitude Fit Kids, Pokémon Club, Tai Chi, Barre & Pilates Fusion, and fitness opportunities for adults 50 and over.

What about seniors? Does the district offer programs for them? Absolutely. Recreation is for every age and stage of life. The District supports older adults through fitness, wellness, social, and recreational opportunities, as well as affordable access to community spaces. The District has partnered with the Running Springs Golden Oaks and Mountain Communities Senior Citizens Groups, providing access to the Robert Hootman and Twin Peaks Community Centers for activities, meetings, programs, and social events. Senior groups use these facilities an average of 40–50 hours each month, providing welcoming spaces to stay active, socialize, and remain connected to the community.

What facilities does the District maintain?
The District maintains community parks, athletic fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, recreation facilities, and other public recreation spaces throughout its service area. Here is a link to the list of facilities on the Park District website: Parks and Facilities - Rim of the World Recreation and Park District

Can I use District facilities even if I don't live in the District?
Many District facilities and programs are available to residents and visitors, although fees, registration requirements, and facility-use policies may vary.

 

Accountability & Oversight

Who oversees the District?
The District is governed by a five-member elected Board of Directors. Board members serve four-year terms and provide policy direction and oversight for the District.

Are Board members paid?
No. Members of the District's Board of Directors serve without compensation.

How will residents know how Measure R funds are being used?
District finances are subject to public budgeting, financial reporting, audits, and Board oversight. Expenditures are also governed by applicable laws and District policies.

Voting

When do I vote on Measure R?
Measure R will be on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

Do I have to vote on Measure R?
Voting on the measure is your choice. The District's informational materials are intended to help voters understand the proposed measure, its cost, and the District's financial and operational circumstances.

Where can I find more information?
Additional information about Measure R, the District's finances, public meetings, and District programs and services can be found through the Rim of the World Recreation and Park District www.rim-rec.org.