In addition to a host of candidates, November’s ballot will feature a number of levy issues, the latest of which is a renewal request for Metroparks Toledo.
At the July 27 meeting, the park board agreed to place a 10-year, 0.9-mill property tax levy on the fall ballot. The previous levy expires November 8 with final distribution this year.
The Lucas County auditor’s office estimates the levy will generate $6,857,619 and as a renewal will not cost property owners any additional money. “We want to make sure the community knows this is just a renewal of their support for our Metroparks,” said Lera Doneghy, park commissioner.
Commissioner Fritz Byers added, “The parks are for me, for you, forever.”
Funds generated will go toward acquiring, operating, improving, conserving and protecting new and existing Metroparks lands.
Other Business
In other business, the park board:
•Approved the purchase of a 2022 Bobcat Toolcat, a hybrid between a utility terrain vehicle and loader, for the Glass City park operations staff and a Bobcat track loader to replace a 2012 articulating loader. It will be used at Blue Creek Metropark. Cost for the equipment through state pricing will be $136,000.
•Amended the certificate of resources and appropriations to reflect grant programs. The revised figures are revenues of $119.8 million and appropriations of $83.31 million.
•Authorized Allen Gallant, director of community development, to seek $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act allocations from the City of Toledo. The funds were allocated by city council, but the process necessitates passage of a formal resolution by Metroparks. The funds will be for the Glass City enrichment center.
•Agreed to apply for grant funds up to $4.55 million from the U.S. EPA. The funds would be applied to the Maumee area of concern to address the loss of aquatic habitat. The first project entails restoring sections of Blue Creek at Blue Creek Metropark and portions of Neis Ditch at the Beach Ridge area of Oak Openings. The project will cost $950,000.
The second project totaling $3.6 million will focus on shoreline restoration and instream habitat improvements at Audubon Islands.
•Approved the purchase of furnishings for Glass City Metropark. RCF Group was awarded the contract for $393,761. The company will supply and deliver specific interior and site furnishings, including indoor/outdoor dining tables and chairs; cantilever umbrellas; modular patio seating; seating benches; timber seating; platform seating; trash receptacles, and crowd control stanchions.
•Committed local funds for the Glass City Riverwalk build project of $36.48 million.
“The bids were pretty tight, which is good to see,” Mr. Byers noted.
•Paid bills for June totaling $6.28 million.
