November 2, 2004
Q: What is the current population of the Town of Apex?
A: As part of the 2003 Year End Report issued by the Planning Department, the population of Apex was estimated at 28,139 (a 39.2% increase since the 2000 Census). This reflects a 4.5% increase for 2003.
Q: What are the current demographics of the Town?
A: According to information supplied by the 2000 Census, the median age in Apex is 33.3 years; the median income is $53,382, and the average household income is $65, 917. Apex is a very young and vibrant community. An astounding 26.0% of those living in Apex are under age 15, 50% are between 15 and 44, 18.6% are ages 45-64, and 5.4% are over age 65.
Q: What is the estimated participation in programs sponsored and co-sponsored by the Town over the past 3 years covering periods from July 1 through June 30th ?
A:
Year |
Programs Offered |
Estimated Participation |
2003-2004 |
700 |
83.000 |
2002-2003 |
483 |
65,000 |
2001-2002 |
148 |
61,424 |
Q: How does participation by residents compare with the participation by non-residents?
A: Participation in Town sponsored programs continues to accelerate and the department now estimates that on the average, approximately 80% of those participating in organized programs reside within the corporate limits. Residents enjoy designated registration periods and receive priority on waiting lists. In addition, non-residents continue to pay an additional "non-resident"
fee for all programs.
Q: What potential projects are included in the park bond?
A: There are 6 major potential projects currently identified. They include:
- The completion of the Beaver Creek Greenway, connecting downtown Apex to the American Tobacco Trail
- Completion / retrofitting of Greenways in Haddon Hall and Beckett Crossing
- The construction of a 100+acre Nature Park and Environmental Education area
- The expansion of the current Community Center;
- Funds for land acquisition for a future athletic complex
- Funds to help complete the renovation of the Town's original Town Hall into a Cultural and Performing Arts Center.
Q: How was the inclusion of these projects determined?
A: The Park components / priorities were determined by the current Parks, Recreation, Greenways, and Open Space Master Plan and by the Town's current plan for Downtown Revitalization.
Q: What flexibility does the Town have regarding potential projects once the bond referendum is passed?
A: The intent of the bond referendum will be to allow the current and future Town Boards as much flexibility as possible so that they can react to changing needs and priorities. Although the Board currently intends to complete the projects as presented to the public, there will be enough flexibility so that the Board can move projects around and designate other priorities if conditions change and the desires and priorities of the citizenry change.
Q: If approved, what is the time frame for beginning and completing the projects?
A: The Town is currently in the process of completing design and construction documents for the majority of the park projects and if the bond referendum is approved, construction could start as early as February, 2005. Under the current phasing plans, all of the proposed projects should be completed sometime by 2011.
Q: Where may I obtain or view a copy of the Town's adopted Parks, Recreation, Greenway, and Open Space Master Plan?
A: A copy of the current Master plan may be purchased at the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Administrative Offices, 237 N. Salem Street, for $26.50 per copy.
Q: When was the Master Plan adopted?
A: The current Master Plan was officially adopted by the Town Council in 2001 after approximately 12 months of discussion and input from the Apex community and the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Commission. It was also part of a County wide effort to develop community specific plans that fit together as part of a regional effort, especially regarding greenway and open space connection and preservation.
Q: What success has the Town had in implementing past Master Plans?
A: The Town was very successful in implementing its initial Master Plan which was adopted in 1995. As part of the 1995 bond referendum, the Town completed each of the priorities including renovation of Jaycee Park, construction of the Apex Community Center, the completion of Apex Community Park, the completion of Kelly Road Park, and miscellaneous renovations to various neighborhood parks and school campuses.
Q: What is the Town's current indebtedness?
A: $9,680,183
Q: Is this level of debt considered excessive for a Town our size?
A: No, the Town's debt per capita is currently one of the lowest in Wake County .
Q: What potential projects were listed in the projected 5-year Capital needs for the Town of Apex presented to the Town Council at their Annual Planning Retreats in 2003 and 2004?
A: The Parks, Recreation, Greenways and Open Space Master Plan, the Parks Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Commission and Town Council identified the following as priorities and potential bond projects in 2003 and 2004: The completion of the Beaver Creek , Beckett Crossing, and Haddon Hall Greenways; the construction of a Nature Park; the identification / acquisition of land for future park development; the expansion of the Apex Community Center to include an additional gymnasium, administrative and administrative offices; and the renovation of the original Town Hall into a Cultural Arts and Performing Center.
Q: If approved, what effect would the proposed park bond referendum have on my property taxes?
A: The Town's Finance Department does not anticipate a property tax increase will be
needed as a result of the bond referendum. From a historical perspective, no tax increase
resulted as a result of the Town's last park bond referendum in 1996.
Q: What revenue assumptions were made by the Town Board with regards to the effect on my taxes?
A: A minimum 4.5% annual average growth in revenue
Q: What is the term of the payback for the proposed park bonds?
A: 20 years
Q: What type of public input was used to arrive at the proposed priorities for the proposed park bond?
A: Public input occurred over a 12 month period as the Town developed its current Parks, Recreation, Greenways, and Open Space Master Plan, which was adopted in 2001. There were 4 specific public meetings for input and 6-8 meetings with the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Commission. In addition, periodic updates were made the Town Council as part of their regular monthly meetings, which were open to the public.
Q: If approved, how will the bonds be issued?
A: There will be three bond sales. Approximately 7.5 million will be sold in 2005, 2008, and 2010. Potential park projects will encompass approximately 13 million. The remaining balances each
year will be for transportation improvement projects.
Q: If approved, how will the issuance of approximately $22.5 million in park and transportation bonds affect the Town's ability to pay for future capital improvements and projects?
A: The Town's ability to pay for future projects and needs will be impacted by the issuance of this amount of debt and the obligation to pay back the bonds, but this issuance will also allow the Town to finance and complete most of the anticipated major projects in a more timely fashion.
Q: How has the Town financed Capital Park projects in the past and what other mechanisms are available for funding if the proposed park bond is rejected?
A: In addition to bond funding, in the past the Town has used a combination of lease purchase, general fund tax revenue, and development fees to finance park projects. If the referendum fails, the Town will consider using funding sources other than bonds but the projects will be broken into smaller phases. Past experience suggests that the projects will cost more due to inflation and will take significantly more time to complete.