By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green City Council members seem to be worried the city levy on the November ballot won’t be a walk in the park. Council agreed unanimously Monday evening to ask for voter approval for a 2-mill property tax levy lasting five years for the city’s parks and recreation department.
The levy is an increase from the current 1.4-mill levy.
Each council member voiced strong support for the levy, but also concern about conveying a strong message to voters.
“If it were not to pass, they would lose it all. It would pretty much be a disaster,” said council member Bob McOmber. The biggest hurdle to passing an increased levy amount is explaining to the public why it is needed, he said.
“This has nothing to do with expanding the park system in any way,” McOmber said. Instead, the increased funding is purely for “critical” maintenance needs.
Council member Sandy Rowland agreed that the levy campaign must convey the need. “It’s extremely important to make this crystal clear what the increase is for,” Rowland said. “This is what it’s going to take just to maintain our wonderful park system.”
Council members Bruce Jeffers and Daniel Gordon spoke of the quality park system in place, and Theresa Charters Gavarone noted the park buildings “in dire need of repair.” Mike Aspacher echoed that concern. “Action is becoming critical to save some of these resources.”
Mayor Dick Edwards complimented council for taking its time with the levy request. “You raised some very fundamental questions.”
Now, the responsibility shifts to the park and recreation board and levy committee to convince voters. “Now the heavy lifting begins,” Edwards said.
The city parks and rec program has not seen a levy increase in 16 years. In the meantime, the program has grown in acreage, facilities and programming, according to Kristin Otley, director of the parks and recreation department.
Also during that 16-year period, several maintenance projects were deferred.
For example, the Veterans Building in City Park is in great need of repairs. The parking lot at Simpson Garden Park has serious pothole problems. The park land has grown to 333 acres, including the new Ridge Park. And the 10-year-old community center is in need of maintenance.
The current levy generates $637,400 a year. A 2-mill will generate $912,000. The 2-mill levy would cost the owner of a $150,000 home about $91 a year.
If the levy fails to pass, the department would have to look at decreasing hours, cutting seasonal staff and increasing fees.
