County soil, water district seeks tiny levy

Written by Kent Mallett, Newark Advocate Reporter

NEWARK -- It might be the least expensive property tax levy Licking County voters ever have been asked to approve.

The 1/10th-mill, five-year levy to raise $370,270 is the first time the Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District has taken its needs to the voters.

The levy to maintain the district's programs would cost property owners $3.06 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, or less than a penny per day for the owner of a $100,000 home.

The district, which received an honorable mention for commitment to environmental protection at the recent Ohio Environmental Council's annual Green Gala, has seen its funding cut dramatically.

More than half its appropriations were eliminated in 2010, forcing staff reductions, furloughs, cutbacks on expenses and reliance on cash reserves. Next on the chopping block will be basic programs and services.

The district works with farmers, developers, local government and the public to protect the county's soil and water and encourage conservation, said Jim Kiracofe, the district's program administrator.

"If we're going to be there to continue to make a difference, we're going to need to find alternative sources of funding," Kiracofe said. "It's really about our grandchildren and future generations."

The district's annual appropriation dropped from $460,000 in 2009 to $222,000 in 2010 and 2011. The district staff has been reduced from seven in 2009 to five this year, and possibly just two or three next year.

Of the 105 sampling sites in the rivers and streams in the Licking River Watershed, 87.8 percent met the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency biological attainment standards, Kiracofe said.

"That didn't happen overnight," Kiracofe said. "Short-term, if we're not there tomorrow, they may not miss us. But, nobody does what we do.

"We're using this land much more intensely now. Without a good land use policy and information, they'll get information somewhere, but is it good local, unbiased, scientific information?"

In 1944, Licking County landowners petitioned the state to create the conservation district. Initially, programs focused on helping farmers reduce excessive soil erosion. As the county's land use changed, additional programs focused on protecting all natural resources.

"For 67 years, we've been working with our partners and people directly, but not promoted ourselves to the entire county," Kiracofe said. "We're conservationists, not promoters."

A decisive loss at the ballot box probably would be the last levy effort for the district, Kiracofe said.

"If we go down 40-60, I will not recommend to the board that we try again," Kiracofe said. "If the vote is close, we'll re-evaluate and listen to the comments."

Kent Mallett can be reached at (740) 328-8545 or kmallett@newarkadvocate.com.

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