Mill Creek parks’ new budget may appease angry taxpayers

As Mill Creek MetroParks commis- sioners review the options for the levy they intend to place before the voters in November, a front-page story in last Wednesday’s Vindicator could serve as the foundation for their campaign.

The story, under the headline “Mill Creek eyes $145K in savings this year,” is based on the 2015 budget approved by the park board that features spending cuts. The budget shows appropriations of $9,606,021, compared with $9,750,683 that came out of the 2014 general fund.

The savings are derived from a reduction in outlays for materials, supplies and personnel.

Aaron Young, the relatively new executive director of the MetroParks, offered this insight on the spending blueprint that should resonate with taxpayers who are no longer willing to give government a blank check: “Each individual department must be highly organized, efficient and live within its budget.”

That comment should also give some assurance to residents who are of the opinion that Mill Creek MetroParks needs to be watched more closely and become more accountable to the public.

This year’s budget, highlighted by the $145,000 in savings, may well serve to negate last year’s miscues by the park board over the euthanizing of 238 Canada geese and the hiring of the executive director.

The killing of the geese caused an uproar in the community because the public was not given the opportunity to make suggestions on alternative methods to decrease the fowl population.

As for Young’s hiring, the park commissioners met behind closed doors in violation of Ohio’s open-meetings laws. The action was challenged by The Vindicator and its broadcast partner, 21 WFMJ-TV, prompting the board to reconvene in a public meeting and validate the appointment.

The public relations debacle occurred while the park commissioners were beginning to discuss the future of the operating levy. As last year ended, it appeared that the board and the executive director were facing a major challenge with regard to winning over skeptical voters.

Today, however, in light of the front-page story about the budget and the commitment to keep spending in check, Young and the board of park commissioners have a chance to campaign for whatever levy they decide to place on the November general election ballot.

The three options being considered are: renewal of the 15-year, 1.75-mill levy that now funds the operations of the parks; a 1.75-mill replacement levy that would generate more revenue; and, a 2.0-mill replacement levy that would be an increase from the current tax.

Decision forthcoming

The park commissioners are expected to make a decision shortly, and once they do we have no doubt they will conduct public hearings to persuade the voters that this jewel of the Mahoning Valley needs to be preserved and maintained.

We would remind Young and the commissioners that while they do have a strong case to make for taxpayers’ support, they cannot be perceived as taking the voters for granted.

Public hearings should be held throughout the county at times that are convenient for people who work and for the large number of senior citizens who have long supported Mill Creek MetroParks.

And while the budget will take center stage, the commissioners should be prepared to answer questions about their controversial decisions last year and outline the policies they have implemented to avoid a repeat.

While Mill Creek has history going for it, the operation and management of the Green Cathedral matter more than ever.