Bellefontaine City Council intends to ask voters this November for a levy increase to maintain and improve the city’s parks system.
Council during a Tuesday, July 11, regular meeting passed a resolution to proceed with a .267 percent income tax increase for the purpose of improvements to the parks grounds and facilities.
Improved restroom access, more playground equipment, additional walking paths and trails were recently identified as priority areas in a “master plan” released by the Bellefontaine Parks and Recreation District board. These priorities were developed in part as a result of surveys completed by city residents.
During a June city council meeting it was discussed and determined that in order to accomplish these goals, an additional levy would likely be necessary to help fund the parks department.
The .267 percent income tax would be in addition to the 1.33 percent income tax currently on the books.
The levy is for additional funds for “personnel and operations of the Bellefontaine Parks and Recreation Department,” according to the resolution approved by council on first reading and will appear on the Nov. 7 ballot.
Additional housing could be forthcoming, according to an update from the planning commission.
City administrators are currently working closely with two entities to bring new housing to Bellefontaine. The first is a 300-unit development that would be situated at the intersection of Ludlow Road and Township Road 181 and would be known as Ludlow Ridge. A second, smaller addition of condos are being considered to be built near Kelley Way.
Jim Gudgel of Sidney has been announced as the new Bellefontaine Municipal Prosecutor.
As for additional action taken by council during the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was approved between council and Bellefontaine City Schools to hire a school resource officer at the middle school for the upcoming school year.
Also accepted was a $500 grant on behalf of the police department for the purchase of two T.E.D.D. (Tactical Electronic Distraction Devices.) The tools are described as, “a less-lethal distraction device that uses extremely loud sound and bright light to distract a suspect giving officers critical seconds of advantage in a high-risk situation.”
The next regular council meeting is Tuesday, July 25.
