Recent Press Releases - Park Levy Fact Sheet Follows

 FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

June 22, 2010

Submitted by:   Susan Stretch, Marketing Coordinator

  513-867-5835  (O)

  513-867-5954 (fax)

MetroParks Require Reliable Funding Source

Butler County, Ohio (6/22/10) – Facing a steep reduction in revenue, MetroParks announced today that a reliable funding source is the only answer to keep the park system viable for the future.  Park Board Commissioners unanimously voted today to place a ½ mill six year property tax levy on the county ballot for the upcoming election in November 2010.  The proposed levy would cost a Butler County homeowner $15.00 annually for every $100,000 in taxable valuation. The proposed levy would also not be permanent. Collection would begin in 2011 and end in six years, unless extended by voters.  A levy would provide the park system with the first ever direct local tax support.

Since 1955, MetroParks has operated parks county-wide by relying on financial assistance from the Butler County Commissioners and funding from the state of Ohio. However, these revenue sources have been cut substantially leaving MetroParks with only 75% of the funding available in previous years and anticipate another 25% reduction beginning in 2011. 

If passed, the levy would be used to maintain and operate existing park and natural areas, protect drinking water sources, improve water quality, preserve wildlife habitat and provide improved recreational areas for residents among others. Private, state and federal funds would be matched pending a levy approval along with additional matching grants.  Parks closed during the last year due to the lack of operating dollars would be reopened to the public on a daily basis and educational programming which was cut would be restored. “I hope residents will join us in protecting the environment and supporting places where families and children play and learn about nature and local history,” said Park Commissioner Cynamon Trokhan, “Things that make living in Butler County special.”

“We have squeezed the balloon as tight as it will go,” said Park Commissioner Greg Amend. “We have to look to the future and be realistic.  If we don’t pass a levy, more parks will be closed and in the not too far future, all of the parks will be closed.” 

While no additional park areas are currently planned to close, the Board of Park Commissioners have stated during past months that this is a real possibility unless things dramatically change. “We have survived on a shoe-string and even managed limited growth prior to the economic downturn, but now, there is no other alternative,” Amend said.

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Park Levy Fact Sheet

The Board of Park Commissioners of MetroParks of Butler County has placed a ½ mill six year property tax levy on the county ballot for the November 2^nd, 2010 election.

¨  The proposed levy would cost a Butler County homeowner $15.00 for every $100,000 in taxable valuation per year (about 4 cents per day). This is equivalent to: one trip to the movies for 2 per year or one fast food restaurant meal for a family of 4 a year.

¨  What would levy funds be used for:

1.    Maintain and Operate and Existing Parks and Natural Areas.  Some funding and/or services to be shared with City and Township park areas.

2.    Protect Drinking Water Sources by preserving natural greenspace recharge areas for local aquifers and through educational programs.

3.    Improve Water Quality of Rivers, Lakes and Streams by protecting and conserving upland areas.

4.    Preserve Wildlife Habitat by managing park areas for wildlife protection and diversity.

5.    Improving Existing Parks and Natural Areas by replacing worn out and/or installing new play equipment, restrooms, parking, paths, trails, shelters, footbridges, forests, wetlands, playing fields, etc across the county.  A list of capital project priorities for each park area is available.

6.    Provide Recreational Opportunities such as hiking, walking, jogging, fishing, boating, camping and more.

7.    Match Local Funds with State, Federal and Private Dollars.   Over $6 million in grants and donations for park improvements and acquisition are currently pending and dependant on adequate local funding.  Additional grants and donations are available if adequate local matching funds are available.

8.    Acquire Park Lands from Willing Sellers Only.  Two new park areas are pending.  Ownership is dependant on adequate local match for grants and sufficient operational dollars.

9.    Open Closed Parks and Restore Educational Programs.  Funding cuts from the State and County Commission have resulted in the closure of 4 parks and the elimination of many nature and historical programs for families, school children and seniors Levy funds would insure all park facilities currently open to the public remain available for public use, that those parks closed can be re-opened, that current programs are continued and those cut can be restored.

¨  The Proposed Levy would not be permanent.  Unless extended by voters, collection would start in 2011 and would end in six years.

¨  The Levy Would Provide the Park System with the First Ever Direct Local Tax Support.  Since 1955 the MetroParks have operated parks county-wide by relying on financial assistance from the Butler County Commissioners and funding from the State Ohio.  However, these revenue sources have been cut substantially leaving the MetroParks today with only 75% of the funding available in previous years and anticipating another 25% reduction beginning in 2011.

06-18-10

JRG