Deerfield Twp. Administrator Bill Becker said the timing of the two levies isn’t ideal, but residents are already paying about $30 for parks and that amount shouldn’t change.
“Levies are always challenging,” he said. “But we have a park system here that is good as any and residents have seemed to support it. We’re not asking for more, we’re just asking for the same payment. The township can’t afford a parks system without that levy.”
The current levy expired in December and it brought in about $810,000 annually. This will be the fourth renewal for parks funding, according to Deerfield Twp. Parks Director Joel Smiddy. This time, however, the township is asking for a 10-year levy instead of the traditional five-year time span. Smiddy said the longer time frame will allow for better planning.
“The 10-year levy gives us a little bit more flexibility as far as planning,” he said. “When you are planning things out you don’t want to go much past the five years, because that’s the funding you have to support the parks with.”
On the horizon are improvements to Carter Park, where the King Mansion resides. Smiddy said few people realize Carter Park has almost 100 acres and is on the Little Miami River. He said restrooms, a small playground and a small parking lot are planned to be installed at the park.
The township shored up the exterior of the mansion in 2011 to protect the historic home from the elements. No one is allowed to tour the mansion because it is zoned residential and it would be cost prohibitive to bring it up to code for public access, according to officials.
The township also plans to attack some of the remaining $1.9 million in debt it has for Fleckenstein Park, according to Smiddy.
About the Author