Charter Review Commission Meeting – April 6, 2026: Article VIII Parks Fund Discussion

The Charter Review Commission met on April 6, 2026, at 5:31 PM to continue its review of the city charter, focusing on Article VIII (Finance and Taxation). The primary discussion centered on Mayor Rocco's proposal to adjust the allocation of the 7% income tax set-aside for parks capital to allow up to 40% for operational expenses, up from the current 15%. No vote was taken on the proposal.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (TMP-5307): The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the March 23, 2026 meeting. Motion carried with Duffrin, Knapp, Konen, and Koral voting yes; Yanko absent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mayor Rocco (4064 Green Ridge Drive): Presented a detailed proposal to modify Article VIII, Section 8.2. He stated that the current 7% income tax set-aside for parks capital (with 15% allowed for programming) is insufficient to cover rising operational costs, which have more than doubled from 2015 to 2026 while capital revenue grew 33%. He advocated changing the allocation to no less than 60% for capital and no more than 40% for operations, arguing this would provide needed flexibility without eliminating the dedicated fund. He emphasized the parks system as a key quality-of-life and economic development asset, citing Green’s designation as a 2025–2026 Best Hometown by Ohio Magazine.
• Commissioner Betty Konen: Provided historical context, noting the original charter set aside 10% when income tax was 1%, later reduced to 7% when the tax rose to 2%. She calculated the current land dedicated to parks and non-developable space (airport, reservoirs) at roughly 20% of the city’s area, questioning whether continued high capital spending is sustainable.
• Finance Director Shelley Goodrich: Explained that transfers from the general fund to the parks operating fund (Fund 224) have increased 480% from 2015 to 2026 (from $500,000 to $2.9 million). She noted that the 7% fund currently services $750,000 in debt for the Core Recreation Center, and that the proposed 40% ceiling would allow shifting up to ~$800,000 in operating costs off the general fund, which faces tightening revenue.
• Former Mayor Gerard Nujabauer (1393 Cherry Woodway): Noted that the switch to 2% income tax eliminated safety levies as well, underscoring the city’s reliance on income tax.

Discussion Items

• Commissioner Robert Duffrin: Raised concerns about the sustainability of the current model, noting that operational expenses (opex) triggered by capital investments must be considered over a 10-year horizon. He compared the city’s park spending favorably to peer cities and supported the mayor’s approach as a reasonable compromise.
• Commissioner Betty Konen: Asked whether removing the 7% set-aside entirely would simply fold parks funding into the general fund, allowing more flexible allocation while maintaining support for parks. Mayor Rocco responded that a more modest change (to 40% operations) avoids public perception of cutting park commitments.
• Commissioner Deborah Koral: Clarified the mechanics: 7% of income tax would continue to be set aside, with 60% reserved for capital and up to 40% for operations. She questioned whether the percentage should be tied to a cost-of-living index. The commission agreed to research current income exemption thresholds (currently $3,000, set in earlier years) and potentially tie them to state poverty guidelines.
• Service Director Valerie Carr: Noted that the city does not have a parks levy and that fee increases face public resistance, but fees are still lower than neighboring communities.

Key Outcomes

• No vote or decision was taken on the mayor’s proposed 60/40 allocation change. The commission will continue to deliberate as part of its full article review.
• Next Steps: The commission aims to complete review of all charter articles by June 12, 2026, when recommendations must be submitted to City Council. Future meetings will revisit each article’s proposed changes, with formal votes on which recommendations to advance.
• Research task: Commission will examine the current $3,000 income tax exemption threshold and consider updating it to align with state poverty guidelines or inflation indices.