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Primer: Hamilton County Parks levy

Carrie Blackmore Smith
csmith@enquirer.com

Issue 52: Great Parks of Hamilton County

What it’s about: A tax that would replace a current tax being paid by homeowners in Hamilton County for the Great Parks of Hamilton County system. The levy covers roughly 55 percent of Great Parks' expenses.

What it would do: Enact a 1 mill 10-year levy that would raise about $18.3 million a year for operation of the parks district, which manages about 17,000 acres of land in more than 20 parks across Hamilton County.

How things are now: Great Parks has been collecting a 1 mill tax since 2002. That levy expires at the end of 2017.

What happens if it passes: It will cost property owners in Hamilton County $35 for each $100,000 of home value each year for the next 10 years. That is a $9.45 increase from what property owners currently pay.

What happens if it fails: Great Parks officials have said they will keep trying to pass a levy until their current one expires, so you can expect to see something on your next ballot. If the district cannot pass a levy the park district would lose more than half of its funding.

Argument for: Parks offer healthy recreational opportunities that connect visitors with nature. Support at this level also would allow the district to conserve more land, protecting the region's plants and animals by supporting healthier ecosystems.

Argument against: Parks are too expensive and the cost keeps rising.

Who’s for it: Issue 52 has been endorsed by several organizations, including the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Hamilton County Democratic Party and the Home Builders Association.

Who’s against it: There has been no organized opposition against the levy.

Website for more information: www.greatparks.org/about/levy

A duck rests by Stone Bridge at Buckeye Falls in Great Parks’ Sharon Woods.