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5 Rivers Metroparks outlines $58 million deferred-maintenance case and a 1-mill, 10-year levy to voters
Summary
A 5 Rivers Metroparks official told the Kettering City Council that a proposed 1-mill, 10-year levy on the Nov. 5 ballot would address roughly $58 million in deferred maintenance across nearly 16,000 acres and preserve park facilities and programs, and directed residents to an independent campaign committee for more information.
Bill Cheerhart, identified to the council as chief administrator for 5 Rivers Metroparks, told the Kettering City Council on Oct. 22 that the park district manages nearly 16,000 acres that attract more than 2 million visitors annually and serves as an economic driver for the region. He said the Metroparks placed a 1-mill, 10-year levy on the Nov. 5 general-election ballot to finance repairs and replace aging infrastructure.
Cheerhart said the levy would allow Metroparks to address about $58,000,000 in deferred maintenance — including restrooms, trails and playgrounds — and to retain and attract staff needed to operate programs and events. He warned that if the levy fails, Metroparks would delay repairs and make “significant cuts to programs” and keep some positions vacant.
Cheerhart noted that as a Metroparks employee he could not advocate for or against the levy from the podium. He said an independent campaign committee is handling advocacy and provided the committee’s contact (votefor5rivers.org and info@5rivers.org) for residents seeking more information.
Council members did not ask follow-up questions during the presentation. The council thanked Cheerhart for the briefing and for his forthcoming role in Kettering city government (the mayor announced his upcoming appointment to the city’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts director post forthcoming in December).
