February 29, 2000
Park district seeks half-mill levy
By Vicki Hunker
Staff Writer
The Seneca County Park District Board of Commissioners is asking voters to approve a 10-year, half-mill property tax levy March 7. It would generate $423,000.
The levy would cost the owner of a $60,000 home about $10 per year.
"That's less than three cents a day," said Tom Bartlett, board chairman. "A big chunk of the money will be used to develop the Garlo property."
The district's property south of Bloomville is named after the late Dr. O.C. Garlo and his daughters, who donated the land. The 250 acres need repair of an existing lake and dikes and development of nature trails. A driveway and parking lot would be added to provide public access.
An old house on the property would be renovated into a nature center.
"It's historical," Bartlett said. "'Circa 1900' it says on the title."
A pair of bald eagles -- an Ohio endangered species -- nests on the Garlo property. Part of the money would be used to build an eagle observation tower.
"It'll be far enough away not to disturb them, but closer viewing than anyplace else in Ohio," Bartlett said.
In addition, the district plans to hire staff members.
"We want to get some staffing going and get an office up and running," he said.
Staff members then can generate more money by applying for grants.
The park district already has begun providing educational classes and hikes for all ages at various parks and nature preserves throughout the county and plans to expand that programming.
Bartlett said another goal for the money is to create a grants program to develop and maintain more local parks throughout the county. Villages and townships could apply for funding from the park district.
Money also could be used to buy and develop more park properties in different parts of the county.
Bartlett said he knows at least four people who are holding onto property that they intend to donate to the park district as soon as there is staff in place to take care of it.
The Seneca County Commissioners and both Tiffin and Fostoria city councils have adopted resolutions in favor of the levy.