mill creek metroparks

Ohio probate court judges would have broad jurisdiction over park district matters under a proposed budget bill amendment circulating the Statehouse. This file photo shows Lanterman's Mill, which is part of Mahoning County's Mill Creek MetroParks.

(Susan Glaser, The Plain Dealer)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Geauga and Mahoning County park district officials facing disgruntled citizens seem to have found a sympathetic ear at the Ohio Statehouse.

A proposed amendment to the state budget bill, floated by Republicans, would give probate court judges more power over park districts, including the ability to fine or penalize outside groups that "interfere" with a park district's purpose or mission.

Rep. John Boccieri, a Poland Democrat, said the amendment would limit dissent from groups challenging board actions.

"I believe this proposal is a gross overreach of power and places judges in very political postures," Boccieri said.

Probate judges currently have the authority to appoint and dismiss park board members. The amendment would expand that authority, granting probate courts jurisdiction over investigating matters involving park districts, including management issues.

The draft amendment, provided by Boccieri, didn't list an individual sponsor. Boccieri said the idea originated with Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Tim Grendell, who has come under fire for his board appointments and push for more recreational activities in county parks. Environmentalists have called for Grendell's removal.

Boccieri noted that Mill Creek MetroParks Executive Director Aaron Young had previously worked for the Geauga Park District when it faced citizen opposition to board decisions.

When Mill Creek MetroParks laid off 13 employees last February, Concerned Citizens of Mill Creek Park objected.

The firings, which included several long-time staffers, weren't disclosed when the district pitched a renewal levy with additional millage a few months prior.

Lawmakers in the Ohio House plan this month to make a flurry of amendments to the two-year state budget bill Gov. John Kasich introduced in January.

Once the bill clears the House, the Senate will take its turn to vet and revise it. Both chambers must agree to a final version by June 30.

Mobile readers, click here to read the proposed amendment.

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