News
October 5, 2009 - Museum tax will shrink no matter what
The property tax levy that supports the Cincinnati Museum Center is already the smallest Hamilton County levy and will decrease even more in November, no matter which way voters vote.
That's because the $16.2 million levy proposed for the November ballot is smaller than the current one - if it passes, it will cost the owner of a $100,000 home less than $5 a year. Also, a separate museum tax issue will disappear completely from residents' tax bills.
That is good news for taxpayers, who will see a record four county-wide levies on the November ballot.
...The renewal levy would generate $16.2 million over five years and for operation and maintenance. It would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $4.44 a year. That's about $0.49 less than that homeowner pays for the current levy, which was approved in 2004. A 1986 separate bond issue that paid for the Museum Center's 1990 move into the Union Terminal building expires this year and will not be renewed. So if the November levy passes, that homeowner will be paying a total of $4.65 less than they pay now for the Museum Center.
This Museum Center drew about 1.3 million visitors last year, including over 1,000 school groups. The Museum Center is actually comprised of three museums - a children's museum, Cincinnati history museum, natural history museum and the Omnimax Theater. It also hosts exhibits, houses the Cincinnati Historical Society Library, and provides educational programs. According to a University of Cincinnati study had an economic impact of $87 million between September 2007 and August 2008.
...Museum officials say the levy is critical. Supporters packed public hearings. They relayed the emotional and educational importance of the museum and the Union Terminal building to the region and its residents.
"Union Terminal's small levy protects our historic landmark and world renowned masterpiece," said McDonald.
Donations, sales and admission fees made up about 80 percent of the center's $19.4 million in operating revenue last year. The Museum Center spends about $2.5 million a year just to take care of the aging building.