Introductory Note  Park District of Ottawa County 0.6 mill Levy  Since the creation of the Park District of Ottawa County in 1992, the Park District has had no source of revenue and was relatively inaçtive until 2017. Then, in 2017 the Ottawa County Commissioners used grant money from ODOT and worked with the Park District and the community to develop the Ottawa County Active Transportation Plan. Over the past couple ofy years, the Park District has been working with our neighboring counties to advance parts oft the Plani that cross the county borders, without going to the voters of Ottawa County. But to further the Active Transportation Plan, the Park District has placed a 0.6 mill levy on the November ballot. The proposed levy will generate $21 per $100,000 property tax valuation per year. This would raise approximately $1 million per year for capital projects, operations and maintenance and most importantly would enable the Park District to gain access to matching funds from organizations outside of Ottawa County, thus bringing federal and state tax dollars back to Ottawa County. The levy we are placing on the November ballot, will make projects across all of Ottawa County is blessed with many existing parks and places ofi interest, well managed and maintained by local, state and federal organizations. The Park District of Ottawa County will support these parks and their owners in any way we can and we do not intend to take these parks into our remit unless asked to do so by their owners. The Park District's plan is toi increase safe recreational opportunities throughout our beautifully diverse county for residents and visitors by working with the local communities to Connect People to Places and Parks, while ati the same time protecting and enhancing our beautiful Lake Erie's water quality and her surrounding plant and wildlife habitat. To illustrate our vision for Ottawa County, here are. some examples of projects that are currently being executed, with The Extension of the North Coast Inland Trail from Elmore to Genoa, with completion expected Collaboration with the Wood County Park District andi the Village of Genoa to extend the North Working with Sandusky County Park District and the Boy Scouts to develop a portion ofa former Discussion with both al local and a national conservancy organization to establish wetlands areas And diligently working with Toledo Metropolitan Area Counçil of Governments to establishand designate the Portage River Water Trail with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources by end These are very exciting projects that are helping us to increase safe biking and hiking opportunities while we Connect People to Parks and Places in Ottawa County and also support projects to protect the quality of water in Lake Erie and its connecting waterways. To expand these types of projectsa across all of Ottawa County, we have placed a levy on the November ballot. The Park District looks forward toa healthy and robust future for Ottawa County and are eager to be: a part ofit. Thank you: and we appreciate your time in considering and discussing the details and benefits oft the levy.  Ottawa County ar reality.  the help ofr neighboring counties:  this fall.  Coast Inland Trail from Genoa to Millbury  farm near Elmore for Boy Scout camping, preserves and other projects.  ins support of wildlife habitat and water quality.  of2020.    Park District of Ottawa County Tax Levy Fact Sheet  Park District of Ottawa County 0.6 Mill Levy November: 3, 2020 Ballot Answers to Frequently Asked Questions  What is the Park District of Ottawa County?  Asa local, county level, outdoor conservation, recreation and eduçation agency, the Park District of Ottawa County works to both conserve and make available for recreation, important natural environments. Our vision is to connect, enhance and protect the natural scenic, environmental. and cultural resources of Ottawa County for the enjoyment of Our hope is to create spaces that are: safe for wildlife such as bald eagles and songbirds and to provide spaces where Ottawa County residents can: safely share the beauty of a wonderful collection of amazing environments that have been  residents and visitors. The goal fori the Board is to CONNECT PEOPLE, PLACES AND PARKS.  selected for conservation and recreation for today and future generations. Is the November 3rd park issue a new tax levy?  Yes. This 0.6-mill levy is new and will: support the operations and growth of the park district.  Why a New Levy?  The Park District of Ottawa County recognizes that Ottawa County is blessed with many beautiful natural resources from farmland, river ways and Lake Erie, including much wildlife. These natural areas and our water quality of Lake Erie are worth protecting and investing in. Many potential projects have been presented to the park district and to move forward, funding is needed. The Park District currently does not have a levy in place and therefore receives zero funds Most significantly, funds from this levy will enable the Park District to apply for some of the many federal and state grants that are available but require some level of seed money or local match money to access. Without local funding, the Park District is not able to access Federal and State grant money and these Federal and State tax dollars are going to other parts of the country and state and not coming back home to Ottawa County. The money generated- by this  towards protecting, preserving or improving the natural resourçes of Ottawa County.  levywill be used to leverage grant funding for the benefit of all of us here in Ottawa County.  How much MORE will this levy cost?  This levy will cost each property owner approximately an additional $21.00a a year or $1.75 per month, per $100,000 How will thePark District ofOttawa County use the money from the levy? Ottawa County residents voiced where they believe the park district should focus their limited resources. Park District  property value.  Commissioners established thei following priorities based on resident responses:  Improve Water Quality - Establish partnerships to protect and preserve fragile ecosystems and the waters that Enhance Public Health- Offer free and accessible outdoor spaces for physical wellbeing. The Park District is currently working to expand the North Coast Inland' Trail to provide a multi-use trail for safe off-road hiking and Protect our county for future generations- Work with The Boy Scouts of America and Sandusky County Park  reach and goi into Lake Erie and local rivers, streams and wetlands. biking as well as assist with establishing the Portage River Water Trail, District to develop a camping and project sitei in Elmore.    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