Levy Information

How we are funded...

About 86% of Park District funding is through a single 1.5 mil tax levy passed in 2017. The Park District has been operating at the 1.5 mil level since 2017. Our current levy is based on 2017 property values. When existing property values increase, our levy revenue does not increase with them. We receive additional revenue only from new construction added to the tax base.

Existing Levy...

The current tax levy was passed in 2017. It is a 1.5 mil levy that costs the tax payer $29.96 per year on a property valued at $100,000 (applies to both residential and commercial properties). 

Proposed New Levy...

If the new levy is passed, the old levy will be canceled and replaced. The new tax levy is a 10 year 1.4 mil levy and will cost tax payers $49 per year based on a property valued at $100,000 (residential and commercial properties). This is approximately $19.06 more per year than the last levy or an additional $1.59 per month. The proposed new levy is designed to provide sustainable funding for the next 10 years while asking taxpayers for only what we expect to need.

Why a New Levy with Reduced Millage...

• Our current levy is based on 2017 property values. When existing property values increase, our levy revenue does not increase with them. We receive additional revenue only from new construction added to the tax base.
• Since 2017, the cost of maintaining our parks and programs increased due to an average of one million visitors per year, inflation and additional programming.
• We are not asking to replace the current levy at the same 1.5-mill rate. Our projected needs over the next 10 years indicate that a lower millage rate will provide the funding we need.
• The proposed new levy is designed to provide sustainable funding for the next 10 years while asking taxpayers for only what we expect to need.

What the Levy Funds...

The Park District programs and services are made possible by the support of the levy. Efforts are made by the Park District to increase the leverage of local funds by applying for grants and developing partnerships whenever possible.

• Protecting air & water quality
• Supporting & maintaining wildlife habitat
• Preserving & protecting plant & animal diversity
• Providing environmental education to students
• Offering summer & after school programs for children
• Providing open space for residents to connect with nature & achieve health goals
• Improving health and wellness through outdoor adventure recreation

Continuous Improvement Since 2017...

Since 2017, community input has helped drive significant improvements throughout our parks. Some of the major accomplishments are highlighted below.

• Completed the Springcreek Confluence Off-Channel Wetland Restoration Project, restoring 40 acres of floodplain habitat with funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Governor Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio Initiative. The project enhances wildlife and macro invertebrate habitat along the Great Miami River while helping reduce flood pressure and river scouring.
• Installed over four acres of pollinator plots throughout the county park system, expanding habitat for pollinators and supporting biodiversity across the parks.
• Completed the John A. Wannemacher Nature Reserve Mitigation Project in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, restoring Boone Creek, creating an expanded wetland area and adjacent riparian areas across approximately 57 acres that had been impacted by historic agricultural activities.
• Established the Dr. Paul and Tanya Kroger Legacy Grove and Picnic Area at Charleston Falls Preserve, creating a beautiful gathering space where visitors can enjoy the outdoors and families can honor loved ones through personalized bricks incorporated into the walkway.
• Constructed the Dale Gade Jr. Suspension Bridge across the scenic Stillwater River, connecting Maple Ridge and Stillwater Prairie Reserve and expanding the connectivity within the park system.
• Opened Heritage Hall at Lost Creek Reserve, providing the Park District’s first indoor community space and restroom facilities for visitors.
• Constructed the Operations/Law Enforcement Building at Lost Creek Reserve, providing dedicated facilities to support park maintenance and public safety.
• Created Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve, providing a low-cost, drive-through holiday light experience that brings families and the community together.
• Created Science Alive and Habitat Heroes-Hug the Pollinators programs, bringing new hands-on science and pollinator education directly to local students.
• Increased Park usage to over 1,000,000 visitors per year and 328 public programs.
• Parks remained open during COVID-19, and self-guided programs were offered, giving people a place to go and activities to enjoy during a challenging time.