At the June 12 meeting of the Centerville-Washington Park District Board of Commissioners, a resolution was passed to place a 2.0 mill levy renewal question on the November 7 ballot.
The 2.0 mill levy is the “bread and butter of the Park District,” said Director Arnie Biondo. “The 2.0 levy is what keeps the parks open, well-maintained, programmed and green.”
With the renewal question, homeowners should see no increase in the property tax paid to the Park District. Because of new construction in Centerville and Washington Township, the typical homeowner may see a slight decrease with this renewal levy.
The receipts from the 2.0 levy generate about 70% of the District’s budget and pay for a wide range of expenses, including manpower, mowers, utilities, supplies, safety, programs and more. Careful stewardship of the money from the levy means that the District continues to provide parks, playgrounds, trails, activities, trees, flowers and more in 50 parks. There is a Centerville-Washington Park District park within ½ mile of every home in the community!
Wise application of tax receipts has brought nearly $2 million in state grants to the District for the enjoyment of the community over the past three years, lowering the local tax burden. Grants have paid for 70% of recent park improvements and expansion, including the purchase of property to enlarge Pleasant Hill and Village South Parks in the northern portion of the District. Grants have also supported the development of the new Holes Creek Trail, the restoration of the Donnybrook Park fen habitat, and the new playground and group shelter at Robert F. Mays Park.
In addition to the 2.0 operating levy, the Park District has a 0.9 park improvement levy. The 0.9 levy was originally approved by voters in 2004 and was renewed in 2014.
Visit the Levy Information Booth at the BIG Backyard Party at Robert F. Mays Park on Saturday, September 16 from 1 – 4 p.m. Ask us your questions and give your input!
Levy stories are for information and are not intended to support or promote the levy.