Miami County Commissioners Support Park District Levy on November Ballot
Information from the Board of Miami County Commissioners & Miami County Park District
TROY - The Miami County commissioners have voiced support for a proposed Miami County Park District levy that would replace the district’s existing 1.5-mill levy with a 1.4-mill levy for 10 years.
Scott Myers, executive director of the Miami County Park District, explained the proposal to commissioners during their Oct. 15 meeting. The levy is scheduled to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.
The proposed levy would cancel and replace the existing levy, which voters approved in 2017. According to the park district’s fact sheet, the current levy costs property owners about $29.96 annually per $100,000 of property value. The proposed levy would cost approximately $49 annually per $100,000 of property value, an increase of about $19.06 per year, or $1.59 per month.
The commissioners expressed support for the proposed levy, which the park district says would provide sustainable funding for its parks, trails and programs over the next decade.
Founded in 1967, the Miami County Park District has grown to include more than 2,193 acres, 15 parks, 40 miles of nature trails and 12.5 miles of bike trails. The district uses levy revenue to support environmental protection, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, educational opportunities and community programs.
About 86% of the district’s funding comes from the existing levy, according to its fact sheet. The district also pursues grants and partnerships to increase the impact of local tax dollars.
Park district officials say the proposed levy reflects rising costs associated with maintaining the parks and programs, along with increased use of the facilities. The district reports more than 1 million visitors annually and 328 public programs.
The fact sheet (see below) notes that property tax revenue under the current levy is based on 2017 property values and does not increase in proportion to rising property values. Additional revenue comes from new construction added to the tax base.
The district says the proposed levy is intended to meet projected needs over the next 10 years while using a lower millage rate than the current levy.
Projects and programs
Since 2017, the district has completed several conservation and recreational projects, including the Springcreek Confluence Off-Channel Wetland Restoration Project, which restored 40 acres of floodplain habitat with funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Gov. Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio Initiative.
Other projects include the installation of more than four acres of pollinator plots throughout the park system; restoration work at the John A. Wannemacher Nature Reserve; and the construction of the Dale Gade Jr. Suspension Bridge across the Stillwater River, connecting Maple Ridge and Stillwater Prairie Reserve.
The district also opened Heritage Hall at Lost Creek Reserve, constructed an operations and law enforcement building, and established a drive-through holiday light display.
Educational programs include Science Alive and Habitat Heroes-Hug the Pollinators, which provide hands-on science and pollinator education for local students.
The district also provides summer and after-school programs for children, nature-based recreation opportunities and community events.
The Nov. 3 ballot measure would establish funding for the next 10 years if approved by voters.
