ASHLAND — The Ashland County Park District wants to expand education programs and park maintenance through a renewal levy that includes an increase of 0.3 mills.
Parks director Eric Schneider said the levy reflects the budget necessary for existing and expanding park operations.
“We’re a really good bargain for your buck,” Schneider said.
The levy funds the wages of four full-time employees and two part-time employees, utilities and the purchasing and maintenance of equipment.
The existing property tax levy is 0.5 mill that renews every five years. Ashland County Auditor Cindy Funk said the levy brings in roughly $700,000 annually.
For a residential property with a market value of $100,000, the existing levy costs homeowners $11.28.
Proposed expansion details
If the levy with the proposed expansion of 0.3 mill passes, Funk estimates the levy will bring in roughly $1.3 million each year — $500,000 more than the existing levy.
That means a residential property with a market value of $100,000 would cost homeowners $21.78 annually, which is an increase of $10.50.
“We’re in a good spot, but we want be able to continue to improve our level of service,” Schneider said.
The parks pursued a renewal levy with expanded millage because of Ohio legislators’ talks and attempts to eliminate replacement levies.
The Ohio Senate voted 21-11 on Wednesday to reinstate a budget provision to get rid of replacement and emergency levies, which Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed in the two-year state budget.
The Ohio House voted in July to override this veto, so the proposal can now become law.
Expanding park operations
Schneider said the park district wants to continue to expand education programs, which the parks started a little over a year ago when Mary Meixner, the parks’ naturalist and outreach coordinator, was hired.
Those programs have included field trips, guided hikes, kids clubs and more. Schneider said there is not a definitive plan for the potential additional programs, but he wants to focus on outdoor recreation.
The levy increase would help fund the addition of two staff members: another education program coordinator and maintenance personnel.
Ashland County Parks comprise over 2,500 acres, and only one maintenance staff member oversees groundskeeping, cleaning facilities and other duties.
“We need to maintain investment in our parks,” Schneider said.
Schneider also pointed to the increase in park attendance. In 2020, the parks saw around 148,000 visits, and in 2024 there were nearly 246,000 visits — a roughly 66% increase in attendance.
He also mentioned the new Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center has added more maintenance and upkeep.
“There’s a saying that you can do more with less, but you can also do more with more. We’re ready to do more.”
Schneider
The levy is being introduced a year early, so the taxes would not be due until 2027. So, if the levy fails to pass, the parks can put the levy on the ballot in November of 2026.
Schneider said he will continue to “aggressively” pursue grants and funding opportunities that facilitate park expansion, as he did for the new paved trails at Tom Kruse Wildlife Conservation Park and for the construction of the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center.
For more information about the upcoming election, visit the Ashland County Board of Elections website.
