WARREN School panel weighs proposed park board
The proposal would spare Avalon South from paying property tax.
By STEPHEN SIFF
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The board of education is considering joining city hall to create a legal entity to run city parks and the money-losing Avalon South Golf Course.
The proposal to create a park board with three members appointed by the mayor, and approved by city council, and two members appointed by the school board was outlined at a school board meeting Tuesday night.
"We will certainly take it under advisement," said Linda Metzendorf, a member of the board of education.
By making Avalon South Golf Course a park, under the control of a park board, the city would avoid paying about $25,000 a year in property tax on the land, said Mayor Hank Angelo.
The Ohio Revised Code also allows park boards to be created by a vote of residents, but this approach is more expedient, Angelo said.
Golf course deadline: The city has asked the course manager, Anthony Joy Jr., to vacate the premises by Feb. 22.
If a park board is created, the city would retain ownership of the golf course and the other 20 parks that would fall under its supervision.
Packard Park has its own board.
Liability would remain with the city.
"There would be no costs incurred by the school board, no liability incurred by the school board," Angelo said.
Researching the plan: The board of education's lawyer will research the issue, Metzendorf said. Board members also are concerned about the financial situation of the golf course, which in recent years has had trouble paying its bills.
"You certainly don't want to ask any talented people to serve on a board without knowing what is involved here," she said. "You don't want to just kind of throw someone into a pit."
A park board has the ability to put tax levies on the ballot, but Angelo said that's not his intention.
"There is a real possibility of making money out there," he said.
The school board wants another meeting with the city to clarify the proposal, which also would have to clear city council.