The Portland City Council on June 2 discussed the future of the Parks Levy, which expires in 2026 and currently pays for 40% of Portland Parks & Recreation’s operating budget.

The council is weighing what levy amount to refer to the November ballot: a simple renewal of the current 80 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value; or an increase to $1.30, $1.60 or $1.80 per $1,000. Parks bureau leaders have warned that if the levy isn’t doubled to $1.60, the bureau will have to cut 25% of its current services.

Councilors Candace Avalos and Angelita Morillo expressed early support for a $1.80 referral, while others—including Councilors Eric Zimmerman and Dan Ryan—pointed to what they saw as issues with the parks bureau.

Zimmerman said the city’s parks support groups have “deep reservations

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