Orange City Recreation Department promotes May 6 tax levy for community services

The Orange Village Council held a special meeting on April 2, 2025, focusing on community recreation services and an upcoming tax levy. Key discussions centered on the importance of funding for local programs that benefit residents of all ages, including youth sports, summer camps, and various recreational activities.

Jill Corsock, the director of the Orange Community Recreation (OCR), highlighted the significant participation in OCR programs, reporting 3,600 registrations from local residents last year. She emphasized that OCR operates under the Orange City School District but does not receive funding from it. Instead, the department relies on a tax levy and registration fees to support its budget, with 20% of funding coming from the levy and 80% from participant fees.

Corsock explained that the tax levy, which is set for renewal on the May 6 ballot, has remained at $28 per $100,000 of home value since its inception in 1995. This renewal is not an increase in taxes, and homeowners will benefit from the Homestead Exemption and Rollback Act, which reduces their tax burden.

Council members expressed their support for the levy, praising the positive impact of OCR programs on families and the community. They shared personal experiences of how these services have enriched their children's lives and fostered community connections.

The meeting underscored the vital role of recreational services in Orange Village, with officials encouraging residents to support the upcoming levy to ensure continued access to these important programs.