A maintenance assessment is a legal method to fund a conservancy district, as describe in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 6101.53).  As outlined in the ORC, these funds are needed to operate, maintain, improve, preserve and defray the expenses of a conservancy district.  The assessment funds are audited by the Auditor of State to ensure compliance.

All property owners within the watershed receive benefits from the improvements, either directly or indirectly, and are subject to pay the maintenance assessment.  Currently the maintenance assessment is based on two components, the first being the impervious area of a parcel which includes rooftops, parking lots, paved driveways, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces contributing to instant runoff into Margaret Creek or its tributaries. The second component of the assessment is the remaining pervious area for each parcel. When these two components are calculated they are incorporated into a formula to establish the assessment per parcel.

As allowed by the ORC the assessments may be adjusted once every six years to ensure that the cost to operate the district is distributed in a fair and equitable manner.

MCCD has the responsibility and is committed to ensure the projects function as designed. The assessments enable the district to provide for the safety and integrity of these structures.

If you wish to check your assessment you will need your parcel ID number and then visit the MCCD assessment section. Also, you can visit the Athens County Auditors website online and conduct a property search with the name of the proper owner. MCCD's assessment will be listed on your property tax bill at the bottom of the page and listed as Special Assessment.

For property owners who need further information or would like to file an informal exception in regards to their assessment they may contact the MCCD staff for assessment review.