Why is an assessment needed?
The MWCD reservoirs are nearing 70 years old and are showing the effects of deterioration such as constant sedimentation, erosion and shorelines that are in need of improvements.
Nearly $270 million worth of maintenance and improvements have been identified to provide continued flood reduction and maintenance. Repairs, maintenance and improvements over a 20-year period will protect the integrity and safe operation of the flood protection system, and aid in improving and maintaining water quality for generations to come through improved monitoring, reduction of pollution and elimination of acid mine drainage.
Why is nearly $270 million needed?
Flood control projects, including upgrades to dams, culverts and bridges; raising and relocating critical roads; and other infrastructure projects
Failing sewer system improvements
Protect vital water sources for several villages
Pollution and acid mine drainage elimination
Sediment removal, including reservoir dredging
Shoreline protection to reduce erosion damage
Watershed management work, assisting local interest groups and private property owners with programs to reduce sediment and pollution
Reservoir maintenance and inspection
Partnering with local, state and federal agencies and other individuals and organizations, thereby sharing the responsibility and costs of these projects
How is MWCD authorized to impose this assessment?
Ohio law provides for conservancy districts to levy assessments for improvements and maintenance - Section 6101 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Why levy an assessment now?
Was postponed in 1939 when ownership and control of dams transferred to COE
MWCD has been reluctant to levy an assessment in the past, and has relied on revenues generated from management of its resources, recreation facilities, parks, campgrounds, marinas, cottage sites, Atwood Lake Resort, conservation projects – farming, timber production, mineral development
These revenues have been sufficient to maintain day-to-day operations
Not enough to handle the repairs and maintenance needed on the aging system
How much will the assessment cost me?
The assessment will require a small investment from owners of all residential, agricultural, and industrial/commercial parcels of property in the 18-county jurisdiction of the MWCD.
The cost for residential and agricultural properties is $12
per year. Other types of parcels will be assessed at a higher rate (up to
$132 per acre) based on the greater amounts of impervious area and runoff
from these properties. Collection is scheduled to begin in 2008.
How long will the assessment be in effect?
By law, the assessment must be reviewed on an annual basis..
How do I know the assessment will not be used for recreation in the district?
Ohio law governs the assessment process and the way funds may be spent.
According to Ohio law, maintenance assessments can only be used for flood control projects, sediment removal, shoreline protection, water quality improvements, watershed management work, reservoir maintenance and inspection, and partnering with other agencies and individuals for improvement projects.
These funds cannot be used for recreation projects and activities.
