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MetroParks board begins looking at levy options
By Sean Barron
BOARDMAN
The Mill Creek MetroParks commissioners met at a hotel early Saturday to begin gearing up next year’s levy campaign.
Asked why the board had an informational meeting at 7:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn on South Avenue instead of in a usual park facility, board president Lou Schiavoni explained the early time was needed to give officials time to handle what he predicted would be about four hours of executive-session matters.
The motel was a convenient location for board members, though such an early start time was an aberration, Schiavoni added.
Countless people enjoy Mill Creek MetroParks’ facilities, along with its nature trails, wetlands and other recreational offerings.
All of that and more could be negatively impacted, however, if a levy to be placed on next November’s ballot isn’t passed, park commissioners stress.
The park is operating on a 15-year, 1.75-mill countywide levy that accounts for about two-thirds of its nearly $10 million annual operating budget. The levy is to expire toward the end of next year, and funds that it generates likely will end by late 2016, noted Kevin W. Smith, treasurer and administrative-services director.
The levy, passed in 2002, brings in about $6.5 million annually, Smith explained.
During the 30-minute session, officials pointed to the need for action, though they were not specific about whether a renewal or a replacement levy will appear on the ballot or if the millage would remain the same. Those details will be discussed at a regular meeting, he noted.
The funds are needed because it costs between $700,000 and $800,000 annually to run the D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center in Fellows Riverside Gardens, Smith continued. In addition, roughly $1 million is allocated to the park’s police department each year, he added.
Also, none of the park’s estimated 63 full-time employees have received raises since 2009, Smith pointed out.
Among the consequences of a levy’s failure probably would be less money for general park upkeep and safety services, Schiavoni said.
The park district also receives some state funding as well as money from boating, golfing, pavilion rentals and other fees.
“If we don’t pass a levy, many of our services and functions may cease,” board Schiavoni said.