Other Choices, Better Choices
On July 1, 2020, assets of the Newbury School Board, including buildings and property, were transferred to the West Geauga School Board.
Township chairman Bill Skomrock created the Newbury Task Force to pursue reacquisition of the property. Stating he wanted only positive input without any dissenting opinions, he selected, almost exclusively, former school board members. They have driven the narrative for the future of the abandoned property.
Citing cultural and municipal centers in cities such as Cuyahoga Falls and Euclid, they proposed remodeling the buildings to become a “destination.” Ignoring that these cities collect millions of dollars in income tax revenue annually, they forged a plan to re-acquire the property, by leasing to private individuals. This concept causes me concerns.
The buildings suffer from decades of deferred maintenance. Asbestos remediation, repairs and bringing facilities up to current building codes would cost millions of dollars, which would have to come from Newbury taxpayers.
Townships should not be in the business of being landlords. If public property is used for profit, it is no longer public and becomes subject to taxation. If the original building is demolished, which is likely, given the high cost to bring it up to code and remodel, that still leaves a 50-year-old intermediate building in need of repairs and upgrades.
Still, retaining the auditorium building was intriguing. The Task Force proposed various groups would be interested in renting space. However, when looking at that, a few things struck me. One was the rentals would never cover operating and maintenance costs. And most of the square footage would have to be rented.
The shortfall would have to be paid by putting a levy on the ballot. Insurance cost would increase by an estimated $7,000. Services of a property manager or full-time custodian would have to be added as well as an attorney to negotiate leases. Landscaping and snow plowing would have to be provided. Why should we take on that burden, for space that is no longer public?
With the next tax collection, Newbury taxpayers will assume the West Geauga Schools tax rate structure. That means an estimated increase in unrestricted township revenue of $130,000.
Instead of chasing the newest shiny thing, the focus should be on planning and executing of realistic projects that will benefit families living in our community. Veterans Park remains unfinished. Oberland Park is still undeveloped. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a safe playground, running water and lighting at Oberland Park?
Additionally, the Road Department has expressed the need for expanded facilities for years.
As sad as it may be to say goodbye to our former school, that decision was already made. Taking on the financial burden of maintaining a 30,000-square-foot building will not advance the livability of our community. Newbury taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize private entities. We have other choices. We have better choices.
Beverly Sustar
Newbury Township
Beautiful Parks, Despite Fiscal Fiasco
Despite the financial fiasco and chaos that is damaging the Geauga Park District’s operations, our parks are beautiful this time of year. Whether it’s a walk along the many trails or a late autumn picnic, getting outdoors is a great way to recharge your batteries and contemplate nature.
Why not attend one of the park’s nature-based programs.
It is difficult for me to understand why the Park Commissioners decided to forgo the services of the County Auditor and are now faced with increasing costs of hiring and firing a financial director, then hiring an accounting firm to help find another financial director and fix the flawed budget process.
So for me, a walk in nature calms and soothes me. I love our parks and always want them to be funded appropriately, so let’s not lose sight of their value and keep hoping this all gets worked out without further costs to the taxpayers.
Jane Valvoda
Munson Township
Geauga County Drug Crisis
I would like to clarify a statement attributed to me in the story “County, Chester Officials Discuss Drugs, Overdoses” in the Geauga Maple Leaf dated Oct. 7, 2021.
I said that Commissioner Spidalieri is the only public official who ever drafted a comprehensive plan to address the opioid crisis. He drafted the plan when he first came into office, and his fellow commissioners at the time, Tracy Jemison and Mary Samide, shot it down.
Never would I say that Spidalieri is the “only public official” who helped with the opioid crisis. Commissioner Spidalieri’s absentee rate is possibly the highest in the history of Geauga County. I find him to be mercurial and self-serving. And he was verbally abusive to senior citizens who attend the weekly meeting.
At the Sept. 28 meeting, I asked all three commissioners if they were doing anything to address the drug/opioid crisis here in Geauga County. They had nothing to say.
Geauga County’s drug crisis affects residents on so many levels. We have seen an increase in child abuse/neglect, skyrocketing crime stats and suicide. We have a drug problem that is no longer “trendy” so you don’t hear or read about it in the news. But it’s real and the impact is ongoing and devastating.
Judy K. Zamlen-Spotts
Chester Township
