Public green spaces in the city of Bellefontaine will soon begin to get a much overdue facelift.
After narrowly failing last fall, a .267 percent income tax to fund improvement to the city parks was approved Tuesday by voters in the March 19 primary election.
The parks levy has narrowly passed by just 12 votes, according to unofficial results from the Logan County Board of Elections, 798-786.
“We are thankful for the opportunity to make improvements to the parks and programs of our great community,” Parks Superintendent Kris Myers said. “The amazing volunteers working to get our message out shared their passion for why this tax issue will improve our community.”
The margin was slim, but the implications are significant for the city’s park system and recreational facilities.
The passage of the levy is a green light for the parks board to press on with its Master Plan, a comprehensive roadmap for improving the city’s parks and recreational areas.
This plan, developed based on community input gathered through surveys in 2022, outlines crucial improvements and the replacement of aging infrastructure across the city’s 17 parks and Myeerah Nature Preserve.
The levy is a .267 percent increase in income tax dedicated solely to the parks department, projected to generate between $1.2 million and $1.5 million annually.
Importantly, this tax applies only to earned income, ensuring that retirees on fixed incomes remain unaffected by the increase.
With the levy’s passage, Bellefontaine’s overall income tax rate rises from 1.333 to 1.60 percent, aligning it with rates in neighboring municipalities like Marysville, Sidney, and Troy. For an average household earning $50,000 per year, the levy amounts to an additional $133.50 annually, or 37 cents per day.
Currently, the city’s parks are funded at an average of $35.53 per capita, well below the national average for communities of similar size. Passage of the levy brings spending closer to the national per capita average of $85.84, enabling significant improvements in park facilities and amenities.
Immediate plans include revamping restroom facilities and upgrading playground equipment across various parks.
Additionally, attention will be directed towards long-term priorities, notably the replacement of Hoffman Pool. The aging pool has reached its limits, with deterioration accelerating each year. Planning for a new aquatic center, estimated to cost between $8.5 and $10 million, will commence shortly, aiming for completion within four to five years.
The Master Plan also identifies Harmon Field Park as an underutilized asset with much potential. A $1.3 to $1.5 million project is slated to transform the park, introducing new features such as a spray pad, improved playground equipment, upgraded basketball courts and enhanced restroom facilities.
Children’s Services levy requires mandatory recount
The Logan County Children’s Services replacement levy was the closest race of the night. It was defeated by six votes 3,488 to 3,482, according to unofficial totals. There will be a mandatory recount in this race.
West Liberty-Salem permanent improvement renewal passes
West Liberty-Salem passed its 1.5-mill, continuing permanent improvement renewal levy, which has been in place since the 1960s, the district reports.
A total of 863 voters approved the levy, including 458 votes in Logan County and 405 in Champaign County, according to unofficial totals.
A total of 553 votes were cast against the levy, including 259 in Logan County and 294 in Champaign County.
The levy currently generates approximately $165,000 per year for the district to help with the following: maintenance and repair of school property; minor repairs to classrooms, restrooms and other areas of the building; acquisition of school buses; and purchasing equipment, including computers and technology, instructional materials and band and choir equipment.
The levy costs the average property owner $28 annually for each $100,000 of appraised value.
Other ballot issues in Logan County included: Village of West Mansfield Electric Aggregation, 58 votes for the issue and 29 votes against; Camp Brewing Local Option, 248 for the issue, 97 against; Camp Brewing Sunday Sales, 241 for the issue, 105 against; GNG Petroleum Local Option, 261 for the issue, 136 against; GNG Petroleum Sunday Sales, 238 for the issue, 157 against.