Mill Creek MetroParks board votes to put levy on November ballot

June 30, 2015 at 9:31p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

In a 3-2 decision, the Mill Creek MetroParks Board of Park Commissioners approved a motion to put a levy renewal with additional millage on the November ballot.

Board president Lou Schiavoni and Commissioner John Ragan voted no.

Commissioners Scott Schulick, Germaine Bennett and Dr. Robert Durick voted yes. They and non-board members present at Tuesday’s board meeting spoke in support of the option recommended by Executive Director Aaron Young.

That option is a 1.75-mill renewal of the park system’s current 15-year levy, approved in 2001, paired with an additional 0.25-mills. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $58.99 per year, up from $50.24.

Young said this option was preferable to three others the board had before it: a 1.75-mill renewal, a 1.75-mill replacement and a 2-mill replacement with additional millage.

“We have to answer the question, what option provides the best balance of providing Mill Creek MetroParks with adequate long-term sustainability potential while minimizing the financial impact to residents?” he said. “It’s [this] option.”