34 PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) Hamilton County
A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Great Parks of Hamilton County for the purpose of acquisition, conservation, and protection of natural resources and park land; operation and administration of park facilities, and programs; improvements to park infrastructure, facilities and natural resources; development, maintenance, and provision of outdoor recreation and nature education facilities, trails, programs, and services in current and future parks and nature preserves owned, leased, or operated by Great Parks of Hamilton County; and for such other parks and recreational purposes as permitted by law, that the county auditor estimates will collect $20,265,255 annually, at a rate not exceeding 1 mill for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $22 for each $100,000 of the county auditor s appraised value, for 10 years, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027. FOR THE TAX LEVY AGAINST THE TAX LEVY EXPLANATION: Issue 34 is a proposed renewal property tax levy of one mill for 10 years for Great Parks of Hamilton County (GPHC). It will cost the owner of a $100,000 home $22.29 per year ($1.86 per month). The proposed levy would replace the current one mill levy which expires in December 2025. No increase in current taxes.WHAT THE LEVY WOULD DO: First approved in 1998, this Great Parks of Hamilton County 1 mill renewal levy (same purpose, same collection rate) generates approximately $2.58 million per year for capital projects.· Operations and Maintenance: Day to day upkeep of parks and facilities.· Capital Improvements: Infrastructure repairs, playground upgrades, and enhancements to trails.· Natural Resources Management: Preservation and restoration of parks and wildlife habitats.· Accessibility and Recreation: Improvements to trails and expansion of recreational facilities.· Education: Children’s summer day camps, senior outreach groups and nature programs in continued partnership with Hamilton County communities.· Community benefits: Parks provide healthy spaces and contribute to environmental quality.BACKGROUND: Great Parks of Hamilton County (GPHC), formerly known as Hamilton County Park District, was founded in 1930 to protect natural resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations. GPHC operates 22 parks and four conservation areas covering 18,000 acres of land, in addition to conserving unique habitats.
