Issue 18 -PIB Twp. Park District
1.0 Mill Levy —November 5th, 2024

Your Park District …
Islanders will be voting on a 1.0 mill PIB Twp. Park District levy to purchase 6 prime acres vineyard property owned by Walter and Sue Duff. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the Park District and the levy.

What is the Put-in-Bay Township Park District?

The Put-in-Bay Township Park District is a local government entity created in 2006 by the Common Pleas Court of Ottawa County and affirmed by a vote of the people. In accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, three members comprise the Put-in-Bay Township Park District Board of Commissioners.

What is the mission of the PIB Twp. Park District?

The Put-in-Bay Township Park District is dedicated to protecting and preserving unique areas that enhance the heritage of the Lake Erie Islands. The Township Park District encourages conservation and protection of natural and agricultural lands. The isolation of the Lake Erie Islands creates a rich biodiversity of endangered and threatened species. The islands are environmentally vulnerable. However, with proper management, influences can be mitigated and some of these unique natural environments can be protected and preserved. The Board of Commissioners of Put-in-Bay Township Park District recognizes that forested spaces and natural areas are disappearing at an alarming rate.
It is the hope of the Board that commercial and residential development will be complemented with green space and natural areas that preserve the heritage of the islands.

What is the Park District’s current Funding?

The Put-in-Bay Township Park District currently receives inside millage of .7 mills providing about $85,000 per year. These funds are used to pay for a part-time treasurer, two part-time maintenance employees, contract work at the preserves, audit fees and other expenses.

Does the Put-in-Bay Township Park District utilize volunteers or employees to perform maintenance on the parks?

Both the Park District, working with its partner, the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, uses volunteers for clean-up and trash removal, for minor maintenance, for the planting of trees, for mulching miles of trails, and for a host of other projects. The Park District has a part-time treasurer and two part-time maintenance employees.

Is the November 5th, 2024, Township Park District issue a new tax levy?

Yes. This 1.0 mill levy is a new levy.

Why a New Levy?

Vineyards on the Islands are disappearing. With funding from this levy, the Put-in-Bay Township Park District would like to preserve a vineyard. The vineyard will become a “family homestead historical site.” Signage would be created to interpret a historic time period on the island. The Park District will preserve the vineyard, demonstrate grape harvesting, preserve the views and vistas, maintain open space and build a viewing platform for observing bald eagles. Funds from this levy may also provide maintenance of existing properties.

How much will this levy cost?

This levy will cost a property owner approximately $2.92 per month or $35.00 a year, per $100,000 assessed property value (less any credits the property owner may be eligible to receive). Collection will begin in 2025 for a period of 10 years. The County Auditor has the responsibility of determining the market value of all real estate in the county. The County Auditor then calculates the assessed value for each property. In Ohio, the assessed value of real estate is 35% of the property’s estimated market value. The table below shows what the tax would be annually and is also broken down by the month, not taking into account any credits you may be eligible to receive.

You can find information on your appraised value and tax at ottawacountytreasurer.org. or ottawacountyauditor.org.

What happens if the levy fails?

If the levy fails, the Park District will not have the financial resources to purchase a vineyard. If the vineyard is not sold to the Put-in-Bay Township Park District, it is possible that the site may be sold for commercial or residential development.

What does the Put-in-Bay Township Park District do for the local economy?

The Township Park District preserves habitat for wildlife and enhances natural areas for public use making the islands a destination for tourists, thus adding to the tourism economy.

What are the costs of parks/open spaces compared with residential property for community services?

Cost of Community Services (COCS) Studies are a case study approach used to determine the fiscal contribution of existing local land uses. Studies conducted over the last 30 years show working and other open lands may generate less revenue than residential, commercial or industrial properties, but they require little public infrastructure and few services. Community cost savings per the Stroud Research Center, concludes that “for every dollar in taxes received, farmland and open space require $0.07 cents worth of community services, compared to $1.11 for residential property.”

How does the public know funding at the Put-in-Bay Township Park District is spent responsibly?

The Put-in-Bay Township Park District is audited every two years by the State of Ohio. These audits are available to the public via the Auditor of the State of Ohio website. The Board is also required to annually file a report of its activities and financial transactions with the Court of Common Pleas of Ottawa County. The Park District also files this report with the Ottawa County Prosecutor. The Ottawa County Prosecutor is the Legal advisor to the Park District. A copy of the Park District Annual Report is available at the Erie Islands Library.