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Ashland council to hash out competing ballot measures that affect parks By Morgan Rothborne Updated: Jun 22, 2022 01:22 PM A A Ashland City Council is trying to find a middle ground between two competing ballot measures that would affect parks, and decided Tuesday to hash it out next week. City Manager Joe Lessard has proposed a ballot measure that would allow the food and beverage tax to be split between the Parks and Recreation Department and fire, police and other emergency services. Under current law, at least 25% of the tax must be dedicated to parks, and up to 73% can go to street repairs. Two percent is for the costs of collecting the tax. In practice, the Parks and Recreation department has been receiving the lions share of the tax revenue. Another ballot measure, drafted by a group of concerned citizens, would give the entire food and beverage tax to parks and recreation. Signatures are being gathered to put the measure on the November ballot. The council voted Tuesday to discuss the measures June 28. The deadline for the city to file Lessard’s proposal with the city recorder is Aug. 19. In other council business Tuesday: The council approved a $435,654 janitorial services contract with Pathway Enterprises Inc. The nonprofit provides jobs for adults living with disabilities and will manage cleaning and garbage collection at public buildings and city parks. Michael Hersh, a longtime Ashland volunteer, was given the James M. Ragland Memorial Volunteer Service Award posthumously. It was accepted by his widow. Councilor Stefani Seffinger presented the award, remembering Hersh as a man with a sense of humor, compassion and a boldness to speak his mind. The Alan C. Bates Public Service Award was given to Seffinger in recognition of her many years of service to the city. Councilor Stephen Jensen presented her with the award. “Our town is grateful and forever changed by her able and constant care,” Jensen said. As she accepted the award, Seffinger said this will be her last year on council, but she will continue to work hard for the city of Ashland. Reach Mail Tribune reporter Morgan Rothborne at [email protected] or 541-776-4487. Follow her on Twitter @MRothborne.