Voters approve tax renewal for 50 North

FINDLAY — A 1.2-mill tax renewal that provides funds for programs and services for those ages 50 and older at 50 North was approved by Hancock County voters on Tuesday. According to unofficial results from the Hancock County Board of Elections, 19,966 votes were cast in favor of the five-year renewal, while 8,775 votes opposed the request. The existing tax generates about $2.4 million per year. The tax continues two existing 0.6 mill levies originally approved by voters in 2012 and 2017. One more year remains on the current levy, according to Executive Director Carolyn Copus who spoke to The Courier prior to the election. And if the renewal is approved, funds would be collected from 2028 to 2032, she said. Copus said the message she wanted to get across to voters is that even though the valuation of homes has gone up since the levies were approved, 50 North doesn't realize any additional money. Homeowners will continue to pay the same amount for the renewal that they've been paying since 2017, Copus said, adding that they will continue to pay this amount until 2032. The center continues to live within its means, Copus said. They've also widened the base of support meaning they have people who are passionate for older adults so they give financially in donations, whether it is to the capital campaign or annual giving which helps pay for a sliding fee scale for some of the center's members. For those members, she said, they take into consideration what people are able to afford. Copus said they want to serve everyone. The sliding fee scale applies to Chore services, wellness and the fitness center, mobile meals and the Marathon Café, and the Emergency Response Systems program. However, there is no sliding fee scale provided for either activities or travel, she noted. Copus said 57% of 50 North's operating budget is covered by the levy. People have also asked Copus about the Green Space expansion. She said that project was made possible primarily through private donations, foundation support and State of Ohio capital funding — but not local property taxes. With those funds, the center was able to raise $2.25 million towards the project which was estimated around $2.7 million. She said every year they put money back for capital projects, so the debt from the renovation/expansion has already been paid which they were able to accomplish within five years. Copus said they hope to have the Green Space paid off in the next couple of years with all the donations. 50 North membership is free for those 50 and up in Hancock County. The center has over 6,000 active members — having grown 19% over the past four years while building utilization has increased 60%.