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Politics & Government

Where Are Your Tax Dollars Going?

It's been 5½ years since Martinez voters passed Measure H—where's the money going?

Written by Beatrice Karnes

Martinez residents voted overwhelmingly to approve Measure H on the November 2008 ballot to overhaul the city’s aging parks, pool and library.

Specifically, Measure H specified: To repair, renovate and make needed safety improvements to neighborhood parks, playgrounds, sporting fields, and the replacement of Rankin Pool; renovate and expand the Martinez Library with a designated children's area; provide youth recreational opportunities; and improve disabled access to parks and libraries, shall the City of Martinez issue $30 million in general obligation bonds, subject to citizen oversight and independent audits with no money to administrators' salaries?

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Many of the centerpiece components of measure H have been completed. Rankin Pool is gorgeous, the library expansion is complete, and several parks projects involving playground equipment, basketball and tennis courts and restroom facilities are finished.

So, where are your tax dollars going now? There are currently several projects underway. At Nancy Boyd Park, picnic and playground areas are being replaced.  At Cappy Ricks Park the restrooms are being reconstructed, along with redoing the tennis courts and lawn area.  New picnic areas and pathways will be added along with rubber surfacing under the existing play equipment. And over at Hidden Lakes Park work is being done to comply with ADA, replace the restrooms and other park improvements.  Construction at Hidden Lakes won’t be completed until the spring of 2014.

Find out what's happening in Martinezwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Still to come—Waterfront Park is in line for major renovations including new restrooms, ball fields, playgrounds and picnic areas. Part of the work will be done this year, with more to come in the future.



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