On the November 2nd ballot, Rockford residents will be asked to consider a parks millage for investing in and improving 120 acres of parks and trails.
The 2.5 mill proposal, if approved, would raise $640,000 annually. Money for hiring a full-time parks employee. Maintenance and replacement of equipment, and for capital improvements like adding a splashpad and ice-skating rink.
The cost to the average Rockford homeowner is $20 per month over 20 years.
The city currently faces a funding dilemma servicing both parks and city roads in desperate need of repair.
City Manager Thad Beard said, “the legacy costs to maintain our system have outpaced our budget.”
If approved, the millage would finance parks and trails allowing for general fund dollars to pay for Rockford road improvements.