Government officials must not tax homeowners so heavily that those homes are no long affordable. Yet the value of those homes must be protected, and that takes money.

That's what has put the Lan-Oak Park District in Lansing in such an awkward situation. The district needs to maintain the parks but doesn't have enough money to do so properly. The last time voters granted a tax increase for the district was 50 years ago. A referendum last November failed.

It is no idle threat to say that the Lansing parks will deteriorate rapidly if the voters do not approve the April 7 referendum to increase funding for the Lan-Oak Park District.

This is a terrible time to be asking for money, but the parks can't be maintained properly on just $130,000 a year for capital expenses like replacing vehicles and repairing or refurbishing structures.

The tax rate increase being sought is minimal -- just 10 cents. A park district consultant calculated the impact for a $100,000 home at about an extra $10 per year, but the actual impact will vary because of the complicated tax formula and other factors involved.

That extra dime on the tax rate would provide the park district with an extra $450,000 per year for infrastructure work.

Park Director John Wilson doesn't want anyone fooled. The first year, the majority of that money could be spent on work that wouldn't easily be visible, like fixing drainage problems.

In subsequent years, facilities like playgrounds beyond their life expectancy, shelters and other buildings in need of roof repairs and ballfields would be addressed.

This is work that will bring the Lansing parks back into suitable condition over the years instead of allowing them to continue to deteriorate.

Parks wouldn't be closed if the referendum fails, but the parks wouldn't be put back into good shape for future use. And broken or worn-out playground equipment and other gear wouldn't be replaced.

Lansing voters face a tough choice April 7. They can either agree to a rate increase, knowing the economy is scary, or they can watch their parks and property values slide.

A town meeting on the issue will be held at 7 p.m. March 31 at the Lansing Police Station. It's worth attending to get more information about the pluses and minuses of this request before voting on it.

We recommend the tax increase as the lesser of the two evils.