MWCD Maintenance Assessment
In 2009, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) began work under its Amendment to the Official Plan of the MWCD, which was adopted in 2005. The Amendment to the Official Plan is funded through an assessment of property owners in the Muskingum River Watershed according to Ohio law.
Collection of the assessment began in 2009, with the MWCD estimating that it will generate between $9 million and $10 million annually through the assessment. Nearly 500,000 parcels of property are subject to payment of the assessment, with nearly 96% of those properties assessed a total of $12 per year. In 2015, the MWCD Board of Directors reduced the assessment by 50%, lowering the amount to a total of $6 per year for most properties. In 2023, the MWCD Board of Directors once again reduced the assessment by 66%, lowering the amount to a total of $2 per year for most properties.
Assessment funds can be used solely for maintenance and rehabilitation projects and are audited by the State of Ohio to ensure compliance. Click here for a breakdown of Watershed Maintenance Project Expenditures from 2009-2017.
The MWCD is committed to a fair and equitable system of assessment. Staff members at the MWCD are available to assist property owners who have questions.
Why An Assessment?
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District is absolutely committed to safeguarding our area by maintaining our dams and reservoirs for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Assessment
Most questions regarding the MWCD Maintenance Assessment are answered in this section. If you have a question that is not answered here or you require further clarification, please contact an Assessment Specialist by calling toll free 866.755.6923.
Staff from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District are available to conduct an administrative review of the assessment assigned to your property or properties.
In an effort to recognize the efforts of individuals in conservation, watershed stewardship, education and implementation of best management practices, an assessment credits program was developed, giving landowners the opportunity to reduce their annual assessment.
Clicking on “Check your Assessment” will redirect you to the Maintenance Assessment Web Portal. On the first page, you will choose to make either an Assessment Record search or a Subsequent Appraisal Record search. You will then see a map of the Counties that comprise the Muskingum Watershed. To begin a parcel search, please click on the County of interest, accept the terms of use, and search using the criterion listed on the tab at the top of the page.