Groveland Twp.- Residents who play may have to pay.
That’s the message more than 320 residents indicated through a survey from township officials after area residents were asked their input on funding for recreation services through the Brandon Recreation Department.
Officials from Brandon and Groveland townships discussed the recreation funding issue last December. Brandon officials said a total of 1,980 individuals participated in the recreation department activities last year, of which 388 individuals were from the township. Currently, the township pays $15,000 per year to Brandon Recreation to cover those participants. Brandon Township officials say an additional $27,000 is needed from Groveland to equal the $42,144 needed to sufficiently fund the recreation program.
Township Supervisor Bob DePalma said about 1,800 surveys were mailed to residents last month and 400, or about 22 percent, were returned. Of those returned, 77 respondents indicated a recreation millage of approximately .2 mills or $27 per year for an average home of $270,000 market value to cover current costs. In comparison, 323 residents specified a user fee for those residents who use Brandon Recreation services should be implemented.
‘We are pleased that people responded as well as they did,? said DePalma. ‘I’m not too surprised with the outcome of the survey. It was interesting to note that many residents utilize recreation services from other communities including Oxford, Goodrich along with Independence and Springfield townships.?
The results of the survey will be discussed at the township board meeting at 7 p.m., Feb. 11 at township offices.