Hello Jameson: Thank you for your message and the opportunity to respond. Our Commissioners sessions are public meetings. I believe all citizens, organizations, & businesses have the right to be heard by the Commissioners just as I am hearing your viewpoints via FB & messaging. I will not know the issues if I'm not listening. I first want to clarify that the conveyance fee is paid by the buyer of real estate property. This would have no affect on you as a property owner, unless you purchase property. My position on the MRC request is as follows: I would support the increase in the conveyance fee as a tool to help build the County’s general fund for purposes that promote economic development. Economic development is no longer solely access to roads, bridges, water, (infrastructure, etc) that drives company locational decisions…but also quality of life issues such as schools, healthcare, arts & culture, workforce development, housing, libraries, and parks and recreation. We also need to engage and address the needs of existing business, industry, and citizens. I would support a temporary earmark for the MRC as I believe the facility plays an important role in economic development. Here are my reasons why: The state-of-the-art MRC facility is attractive to companies, individuals, families and students and adds a quality of life component. Most recreational facilities throughout the US are constructed and maintained in some combination of private and public dollars Four highly respected key partner organizations as well as individual donors came together to create the MRC with an overall investment of $14 Million. I would like to see the County become an additional partner as I would be disappointed to see that significant investment not achieve its full potential. The MRC is a non-profit, therefore, it is within our scope to provide support…as the County has done via grant funding for 4H, Fair Board, Muskingum Valley Park District, Community Action, and others in the past. 90% of businesses fail within their first 5 years of operation – MRC is in its 3rd year of operation and the climate/competition in local recreational facilities has changed dramatically since its planning and inception. The MRC is unique, in that, it is the only recreational facility with an indoor lap pool for use by area schools and swim teams. According to MRC representatives, they will be making changes in their prices, programming, and business model. I wish them success! Mollie S. Crooks Muskingum County Commissiioner