2023 Park Levy Renewal
RESULTS
Thank you, voters! Unofficial results provided by the Delaware County Board of Elections show voters in the November 7, 2023 election have passed the Genoa Township Parks Levy (64.18%). View the unofficial results.
Proposed Tax Levy
(Renewal)
Genoa Township
A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.
A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Genoa Township for the purpose of parks and recreational purposes that the county auditor estimates will collect $682,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 0.6 mill for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $19 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2023, first due in calendar year 2024.
HISTORY
Township parks were historically funded through the General Fund until 2021 after voters approved the Township's first-ever Parks and Trails Levy in November 2020. Before a levy was in place, park improvements were limited as they contributed to a declining balance in the General Fund. Transferring the expenses of the parks to a special revenue fund simultaneously extended the General Fund while increasing investment in township parks.
At the time the original Parks Levy was passed, the Fire Department and Police Department levies were fine-tuned based on a thorough review of the operating budget from the previous five years. By reducing the Fire and Police levies as part of a cooperative effort, Township leaders were able to avoid proposing any additional tax millages by applying the savings to a new parks fund.
Voters approved the 2020 Parks Levy and, as a result, the General Fund stabilized. The General Fund is used to pay for the operations of the administration which includes the township administrator, human resources, zoning and development, communications, and parks. Occasionally, it is also transferred to other funds to pay for unbudgeted departmental needs.
GOVERNANCE
The development and care of Township parks are controlled by the Genoa Township Board of Trustees based upon the recommendations of the members of the Parks Advisory Committee and in partnership with the Maintenance Director.
Meetings are open to the public and include an opportunity for guests to speak.
The Parks Advisory Committee created the 2020 Parks and Trails Master Plan after extensive research into service gaps, resident preferences/surveys, and data regarding visitation. The planning process served as a vital step to create a unified, aspirational vision to work toward including action steps to consider as resources become available.
RESULTS
The 2020 Park Levy was the reason for a multitude of park improvements both directly and indirectly. The renewed focus and dedication to parks contributed to the Township's success in receiving park investments in the form of state grants and TIF funds, where appropriate.
Park improvement summary:
FAQ