The districts will not be consolidated if the levy is not approved.
The levy is expected to generate roughly $2.2 million annually and cost the owner of a home appraised at $100,000 about $42.88.
Officials say the levy will create a a dedicated funding source for parks and the senior center.
The city anticipates that its $5 million general fund will take a drastic blow due to state cuts. Officials expect to lose 2.3 million in 2013, the bulk due to reductions to the Local Government Fund and the coming repeal of the estate tax.
If approved, the tax will be applied to property owners in all of Beavercreek Twp., which includes the city.
Beavercreek City Schools has a 6.7-mill emergency operating levy on the Nov. 6 ballot that would raise about $10.9 million annually and cost the owner of a home appraised at $100,000 about $205.
Michael P. Thonnerieux, the city’s parks, recreation and culture superintendent, said elected officials will have difficult decision to make if the levy is not approved. He said the consolidation plan will create efficiencies.
“This initiative will maintain the current level of programming, maintenance, and recreational opportunities that residents currently enjoy,” he said. “Consolidating local government from three parks and recreation providers to one managing entity, the Beavercreek Township Park District, just makes sense.”
Currently, Beavercreek, which has 26 parks, spends about $1.55 million each year for parks, recreation and the senior center. The parks district anticipates losing about $5,000 from the $25,000 it budgets for two parks due to state cuts. And the township, expects to spend about $161,950 on its eight parks this year, including the $92,000 it pays the city to manage Rotary Park, Beavercreek’s most popular.
Beavercreek resident Carol Deranmus supports the levy. She said quality parks and recreation have tremendous value.
Deranmus, 72, said she uses the senior center at least twice a week and is part of a pool league that plays there. She said some voters do not get why the levy is needed.
“People feel it is a lot of money and they don’t understand why they are consolidating,” Deranmus said. “I think in the long run it will save money.”
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