Members of the North Whidbey Park and Recreation District board decided to place a replacement levy on the Aug. 1 primary ballot.

At the same time, the majority approved a sound and well-reasoned statement about the levy, which sets the district’s priorities.

“The park and recreation district must invest our resources in our infrastructure first, safety programs such as swim lessons second, exercise and rehabilitative programs third, and recreation programs after the other items are covered,” the statement says.

The levy is for 17 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. It costs the average homeowner in the district $4 per month.

The controversy that’s been dogging the district for years has been whether taxpayer dollars should continue to subsidize the swim club.

The answer is “no,” according to the statement. And we totally agree.

The board hopes that the program can continue, but it cannot consume the district’s “already limited resources.”

“We are currently working to restore the District to financial stability. On this journey, tough choices need to be made, but as a Board we must always err on the side of financial prudence,” the statement says.

“The pool, our primary asset, is not only complex to operate but an aging facility in need of repairs we cannot immediately afford.

“First and foremost, we must ensure we have a safe and functioning facility for our entire community.”

The only wrinkle is that the makeup of the board may change to candidates who have different views. Three of the five seats are on the ballot in November. There are candidates for each seat who are big supporters of the swim team.

If the levy passes — and we hope it does — the board members should abide by the statement that clearly and succinctly sets the district’s priorities.

If not, they will lose the trust of voters who relied on that message to cast their votes.