Aquatic center levy language criticized

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Van Wert City Council unanimously approved placing a 1.2-mill, 25-year tax levy on the May primary ballot that would fund construction of a new aquatic center for the community during its regular meeting held Monday evening in Council Chambers.

The levy was not without its critics, though, as local resident Jerry Mazur said he felt the city’s current plan to use any excess funds left over from the center’s construction for general parks improvements and maintenance, instead of just for the aquatic center, was a mistake (see editorial on this issue on the Opinion Page).

“I think the voters are voting for a swimming complex,” Mazur said, noting that private groups and individuals have already pledged at least $1.2 million to provide maintenance and capital projects. “Why would you need this pork?”

Mayor Don Farmer took exception to the “pork” comment, noting that there “might not be a dime” left from the levy after construction of the aquatic center is paid for. The mayor also added that he feels using any leftover money to maintain other city parks is appropriate.

“I believe our community here supports our parks,” the mayor said, adding, “I feel it is a positive on the ballot to have our other parks included, along with the aquatics center.”

Councilman At-Large Stan Agler noted that, while he had some concerns about whether the aquatic center funding was “tied down adequately,” he feels any excess funding could also be used to pay down aquatic center debt and also for capital projects for the center.

Fourth Ward Councilman Pete Weir did explain that City Council would control what that money is used for and would decide what would be an appropriate use for any excess funds.

City Auditor Martha Balyeat said she felt using money from an aquatic center levy would be similar to the city’s use of street improvement tax funds for administrative salaries, even though the Auditor of State’s Office has approved such use.

“My personal feeling is, if you’re asking for money to build a swimming pool, if there is any excess, the excess should be used only for the swimming pool,” she added.

City Council later unanimously approved placing the tax issue on the May primary ballot, but changes could still be made in the ballot language up until the February 6 filing deadline.

Also Monday, City Council continued a discussion on nuisance buildings, with Council members reviewing preliminary legislation prepared on the topic. Another meeting of the Health Service and Safety Committee is planned prior to taking legislative action.

Council also approved a then-and-now certificate, while Balyeat said department heads are beginning to work on the city’s permanent budget for 2013, a copy of which should be available for a Finance Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, February 11.

Property and Equipment Committee Chair Jeff Agler also requested a committee meeting related to a request from Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming related to legislation to continue with online auctions of excess and obsolete city equipment.

Legislation was also prepared to rescind a Community Reinvestment Area agreement with the former Butler’s Bakery, as well as a resolution to allow the city to participate in the latest round of Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) grant funding.

Council further discussed lengthening members’ terms to four years and resetting Ward boundaries to better reflect current population distribution, as well as the possible annexation of unannexed property within the city limits.

Legislation was also prepared to allow for bidding on construction of a new concession stand at Smiley Park.