For the best South Bass Island journalism, visit putinbay.news and subscribe to the Put-in-Bay Gazette today!
Tax Levy: November 2022
Friends of Put-in-Bay Township Park District
The Put-in-Bay Township Park District has announced that it will place a 1.1 mill, 10-year levy on the November 8th, 2022, ballot.
The Park District was founded in 2006 as a government entity through an initiative petition of the voters. The Park District is “dedicated to protecting and preserving unique areas that enhance the heritage of the Lake Erie Islands.”
To date, your Park District has preserved and protected over 100 acres of ecologically sensitive property.
With the passage of this levy, along with ongoing maintenance and property upkeep, the Park District would like to preserve an active vineyard.
Lisa Brohl, Chief Executive Officer of the Park District, stated, “The Park District would like to purchase and maintain a vineyard as a historical homestead site explaining through signage and other means the importance of grapes to the Island culture.”
Historically, the Park District has received funding from grants, donations and tax revenue. This revenue has been vital to the preservation and maintenance of these beautiful natural lands. Unfortunately, grants and donations are not a guaranteed stream of revenue. Grants are usually competitive, for a specific purpose, and generally require a portion of local matching funds. A dedicated stream of revenue is necessary to maintain and continue to preserve important areas that enhance the heritage of the Lake Erie Islands.
After careful consideration, it was determined there is a necessity to place a levy on the ballot. The 1.1 mill levy equates to $38.50 per year for each $100,000 of taxable property value, which is only $3.21 per month (this does not take into account any credits for which the property owner may be eligible).
To continue the conservation, preservation, maintenance and protection of natural and agricultural land on the Lake Erie Islands, it is extremely important to pass this levy in November by voting “YES.”
The Park District, as a government entity, is not permitted to spend local revenue to support this levy.
Stacey Clink from the Friends of Put-in-Bay Park District Political Action Committee will be speaking at the Put-in-Bay Property Owners Association about the proposed levy at their meeting at the Senior Center on Saturday, September 10th at 10 a.m.
The Friends of Put-in-Bay Park District Political Action Committee (PAC) has been formed. The PAC will raise funds through donor contributions to support the campaign and create awareness. If campaign funding permits, mailers, yard signs and other media will be used to encourage voters of Put-in-Bay Township to support this levy. Another informational meeting will be held in the next few weeks at a date to be announced later.
Please contribute to the campaign:
Friends of Put-in-Bay Park District – P.O. Box 713 – Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456
Questions or comments: FriendsofPIBTPD@gmail.com
The previous piece is published in this month’s Put-in-Bay Gazette. The Gazette has been producing incredible independent Put-in-Bay island news for over 40 years. If you have any interest at all in what is happening on South Bass Island, we urge you strongly to subscribe to the Put-in-Bay Gazette. One-year online subscriptions are only $15, and print subscriptions are available as well. To subscribe please click here.