Seneca Parks approves new phone system at Garlo

TIFFIN — The Seneca County Park District Board of Commissioners met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 11 to approve a resolution in regards to a new phone system at Garlo Heritage Nature Preserve, as well as to discuss proposed changes to the park district's pre-school fee schedule. According to Executive Director Sarah Betts, the previously installed phone system had become outdated, and whilst other improvements were being made a need to replace the system was discovered. Official Reports Betts began the meeting by providing her executive director's report, containing several updates to parks throughout the district. "Work continues on the Nature Education Center at Fruth Wetland Nature Preserve," said Betts. "Tentative office moving will begin in early May with the anticipated grand opening to occur in late June 2025." Betts noted that Apr. 30 is the deadline for those wanting donation or sponsorship recognition on the appreciation wall in the building. Additionally, Betts noted that painting continues inside the buildings at Steyer Nature Preserve as well as Bowen Nature Preserve. "Over at Garlo Heritage Nature Preserve, site clean up continues with the removal of the house trailer and septic system," stated Betts. In other news, Betts noted that applications for 2 seasonal positions are being accepted. "Qualified applicants can find the forms available on the park district's website under About/Careers," said Betts. Applications can be sent to Kim Wickman, operations manager, at kwickman@senecacountyparks.com. Starting pay range was approved last month at $13.50-$14.50 per hour, based on experience level. Wickman was unable to attend and provide an official operations report at Tuesday's meeting due to being on vacation, but Betts noted on her behalf that things are going well throughout the district with the warmer weather. Additionally unable to attend was Linda Rose, naturalist & preschool coordinator, who was running a program for the district at the time. Likewise to that of Wickman, Betts spoke on her behalf, stating there are already questions and registrations coming in for summer-camp, as well as noting programs have been going well so far. Pre-School Fee Schedule Additionally discussed were proposed changes to the Pre-School Fee Schedule, specifically an increase to the programs registration fee. "For as long as I can remember, the fee has been $25 and was set as such before I was involved with the district," noted Betts. She continued, "Previously, the Board decided not to raise fees during the several years of COVID impact to additionally help aid the essential, front line, and other workers who still continued to need the preschool services." The Board approved an increase to the monthly preschool fees (now $145 and $100 per month for morning and afternoon respectively) and to the one-time school year registration fee (now $45) beginning this fall. "This was a much needed increase for the incredible preschool program that is offered at Garlo Heritage Nature Preserve 9 months of the year," said Betts. After some discussion, members of the board of commissioners unanimously agreed to increase the fee. Park Levy The last item under new business was in regards to the Seneca Parks Levy, set to expire in 2026. According to previous coverage, prior to its passage the park district was entirely volunteer operated through farm rent, fundraisers and contributions on a yearly budget of $46,000 to 50,000. The previously passed levy was a 10-year, 0.5-mill levy generating $575,000 per year, and costing the owner of a $100,000 home $17.50 per year. Following some discussion amongst the board as to what should be done about the levy, several board commissioners opted to wait until their next regularly scheduled decision to make a decision. Stay tuned for more details about the levy. With no need to go into an executive session, the meeting concluded shortly afterwards. The next regularly scheduled Seneca Parks Board of Commissioners meeting will take place at 5 p.m. on April 8.