HAMILTON — Butler County's park district wants the county commissioners to provide additional money for future projects by extending and increasing a property transfer fee that generates $1.2 million per year for parks.

        Officials of MetroParks of Butler County made the request Thursday at the commissioners' meeting.

        The additional money would be used for such projects as the development of a 200-acre park in the old Voice of America property in West Chester Township, said Mike Muska, MetroParks director. That park would revolve around a proposed 30-acre, man-made recreational lake.

        “If we had an assured revenue stream coming in, we could issue bonds now for those projects,” Mr. Muska said. “It would save money in the long term because the rate on bonds is very low now.”

        The commissioners took no action Thursday. But they said they are pleased with the park district's work and indicated they will extend the property transfer fee and will consider raising it.

        In 1999, the commissioners raised the property transfer fee for five years to provide additional funding for MetroParks. Park officials haven't determined yet how much the fee should be raised or how much longer it should be extended. The current fee is $2.30 per $1,000 of valuation.

        The revenue from the fee increase and extension would help finance the $3.5 million Voice of America park project and $4.9 million in future improvements at eight existing parks and $4 million for land acquisition.

        “The Voice of America project is our No. 1 priority,” Mr. Muska said.

        That project would include boat and fishing docks at the 30-acre lake, and picnic sites, play areas and trails.

        Mr. Muska said the park district will advertise for bids in the fall and looks for the lake to be excavated during the fall and the winter.

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