Levy Information

The Saybrook Township Park Board has placed a .5 mill / 5 year levy on the May 2021 ballot for the residents of Saybrook to consider. This communication is intended to share the rationale for this action so the voters know the purpose of this funding request.
In 2020 the Board acted under an “emergency permit” to stabilize the west section of the shoreline where significant erosion had taken place and required immediate remediation. Although not visible from the bluff, drone photos showed the damage to the bank which if left unchecked, could have jeopardized additional property and structures. Record high lake levels, lack of winter ice, and constant wave action have caused erosion issues and erosion control failures all along the north coast shoreline communities. One thousand seven hundred fifty tons of armor stone and concrete rubble were placed as a barrier on the West Bank, and although not yet at the required height, it was what could be accomplished with the funding available.
Working with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the east end of the shoreline has also experienced “slumping” of the bank, failure of drainage systems, and some failure of shoreline protection. The plan would be to bring the west end break wall to the proper height and proceed to place a break wall to the east end as this is the sole access to the shoreline. Drainage systems would be designed, put in place, and the bank would be filled and finished at a 2:1 slope.
To share some history the Board has done two erosion control projects in the past, the most recent 25 years ago. Those lasted a significant period of time but showed failures with the record high water levels of last year. They were also nowhere near the cost of today’s erosion systems. The Army Corps of Engineers estimates shoreline repairs to be as high as $2,000 per foot of property.
The Board has not increased its operating levy millage in over 20 years and this is the first additional levy placed before the voters in 20 years as well. This levy is .5 mills and expires at the end of five years.
Thousands of residents visit the Park each year for their picnics, parties, reunions and recreation and this levy will be an opportunity for voters to have their voices heard with regard to erosion control actions considered at the Park.