1. Where will the recreation center be built?
The recreation center will be built 17.3 acres of property on South Houk Road just north of Pittsburgh Drive. The center will include a state of the art fitness center, multi-purpose gym, child watch area, competition pool, leisure pool, group exercise/meeting /class rooms and new athletic fields. The levy will also pay for new facilities and improvements to Mingo Park athletic fields, restrooms and concession stands.

2. What will these funds be used for?
Comprehensive recreation facility improvements, including a community wellness center. To build the center and adjoining athletic fields, and to make improvements to the Mingo Park outdoor facilities in 2010, the cost is estimated to be approximately $23.8M. This budget includes the following programs and spaces:
o A state-of-the-art fitness center with cardio-equipment, weights, weight equipment, etc.
o A full-size, multi-purpose gymnasium
o A dedicated Child Watch, activity room
o A natatorium for competitive swimming, water excercise, lessons, and leisure time
o Multi-Purpose spaces
o Locker room facilities, including family changing rooms
o Administrative space, common areas, and building support space to operate the facility
o The development of recreational and sport fields on the site
o Improvements to the existing athletic fields at Mingo Park

3. How much will the income tax increase cost those who pay income tax in the City of Delaware?
To pay for the facility, the Delaware income tax rate would be raised from 1.4% to 1.55%, which is a 0.15% increase in the rate until paid (expected to be within 20 years)*. For a family with a household income of $75,000, the new rate would cost approximately $112 additional per year. According to the most recent census information available, the median household income in Delaware is $51,422, which means the average Delaware household would pay approximately $77 additional per year.
*Once debt is paid, the income tax will roll back to 1.4%.

4. How does the partnership with the National Guard work?
The National Guard will build a recruiting office and activity facility attached to the city recreation center, estimated to be built in 2012. This portion will be built with federal and state funding. It was originally the intention of the Guard to close its Delaware operation. This partnership ensures that the National Guard will maintain its facilities here. The Guard will use their facility only 1-2 weekends a month and possibly two weeks during the summer. When the Guard is not using their facilities (gym, kitchen, meeting rooms) they will be open to members of the YMCA to utilize. This is just one example of how this unique partnership will create opportunities at the lowest possible cost for the residents of Delaware.

5. How much will a membership with the YMCA cost?
Similar to other community recreation centers, residents of the City of Delaware and/or those who are affected by the income tax will receive a 10% reduction in their membership rate. The YMCA of Central Ohio (ymca columbus) does not charge a joiner's fee. Additionally, the YMCA offers assistance for membership, programs and services on a sliding fee scale to those who qualify through its People Helping People program. Delaware residents will also be able to access any of the eleven other Y branches operated by the YMCA of Central Ohio. So, a membership at the Delaware Recreation Center will open many other doors for our residents. See the Membership Information page for a breakdown of YMCA memberships.

6. Why not use private donations or city funds to build the Recreation Center?
The partnership formed between the City of Delaware, the Ohio National Guard and the YMCA of Central Ohio offers a unique opportunity for the Delaware community and represents a growing trend across the country. Like the model being used in other communities, including Ohio, this partnership offers the most cost effective way to build state of the art facilities at an extremely reduced cost. Most important, the success of this partnership will expedite the community’s ability to offer enhanced health, wellness and recreation opportunities to the residents of Delaware. Private donations were sought and obtained to pay for the August election and continue to be used to help fund the campaign for the passage of the levy. Absolutely none of these costs will be passed on to Delaware residents.

7. If I’m paying taxes for the center to be built, then why do I have to pay to join the center?
Passage of the levy will ensure the construction of the facilities, the addition of new athletic fields and upgrades to the current Mingo Park outdoor facilities. However, the levy will not support any of the operating costs associated with the facilities, making membership dues necessary. Annual membership rates will reflect the same considerations that were used for the Liberty Township/Powell YMCA whereas residents of the City of Delaware and/or those who are affected by the income tax will be extended a 10% reduction in fees off the current, annual YMCA Metropolitan Membership rates. According to the most current census information, the average Delaware household would pay approximately $77 a year toward the levy. A 10% discount off current YMCA membership rates would be $79, resulting in almost an even exchange for a tremendous community asset. Annual adjustments in membership rates generally range between 2-3%.

It is important to note that the YMCA of Central Ohio (ymcacolumbus) offers financial assistance, on a sliding fee scale, based on unique individual and family circumstances through its People Helping People assistance program. The YMCA works best when everyone is included. Therefore, it is the philosophy of the YMCA to review each case individually.

8. Who pays the increase in income tax?
The city income tax applies only to those who pay income tax to the City of Delaware. Pension, social security, or investment income is not taxed by the City of Delaware and therefore, the tax levy has no effect on those individuals. This is particularly important to senior citizens.

9. Does the YMCA stand to “make a profit”?
In service to the central Ohio community for nearly 155 years, the YMCA (ymcacolumbus) is committed to meeting the needs of ever changing communities. Additionally, as a non-profit organization, the YMCA is committed and expected to reinvest any surpluses back into facilities and programs that serve the community. The YMCA also assumes all of the risk for the facility’s operations, which must be sustained through membership revenue. This relieves the residents of the City of Delaware of that risk. This model is unique to YMCAs. Several communities that operate recreation or health club facilities in our area have had to go back to voters for operating expenses. In its 150+ year history, the YMCA has never had to go back to a community for operating expenses.

10. What is the economic impact on the City?
The YMCA will bring approximately 200 new jobs to Delaware. These full time and part time positions will help diversify the local economy and create new opportunities within the community. These employees will also pay City income tax, further stimulating Delaware’s economy. Communities that can offer a YMCA or recreation center are providing enhanced opportunities and a desirable quality of life to prospective home buyers and/or employers who wish to reduce healthcare costs by offering their employees incentive to practice a healthy lifestyle. Such amenities will certainly enhance our community’s ability to attract new residents and businesses.

11. Why put this issue on the August ballot?
The issue was placed on the August 5 ballot so that the recreation center levy would get the exposure that voters need and desire to fully understand the issue. With the tremendous amount of candidates and issues surrounding a presidential election, the recreation center levy would not receive the appropriate amount of attention and detail that the community deserves.