Library Levy FAQs

Your FAQ about the upcoming library levy on the November 6 Ballot.

What we’re asking for: The Library is asking voters to approve a 15-year renewal of the Library’s 1-mill levy. It’s the same levy you have now!

Will my taxes go up if the levy is renewed?

No. Your tax rate stays the same.

What is the tax rate now?

The owner of a home assessed at $100,000 pays approximately $38 a year for the Library levy.

What will you do with the funds should the levy pass?

• A new library for the Powell/Liberty Township area • Updates at the Delaware and Ostrander Libraries • Upgrades at the Orange Library • Continue to expand all collections • Continue to update technology Where is the new library in Powell/Liberty Township going to be located?

There have been several suggestions, but at this point, the Board has not selected a location.

What happens if the levy renewal request is turned down?

Aside from the state Public Library Fund, other sources of funding for public libraries are not available. Since the levy constitutes 2/3 of the Library’s budget, cuts in library services would be required.

What did the Library do with the last levy?

• Built the Orange Branch Library • Expanded the collections, joined consortia to access almost 5 million items • Extended service hours at all locations • Increased offsite services via the Outreach Services Department • Added technology, including laptops, wi-fi hotspots, recording equipment, and special computers for young children How much does the levy generate?

The levy provides the Library with about 2/3 of the annual budget.

Where does the rest of the money come from?

Primarily, the State of Ohio’s Public Library Fund. This fund has been in place since the 1980s, but it can vary from state budget to state budget, and the trend has been down over the past ten years.

Why does the Library maintain a large reserve?

Primarily to pay off the remaining notes on the Orange Library.

When the levy is renewed the Library will be able to pay those notes and build a new library for the western part of the county without adding new debt. Once this is accomplished, the Library’s reserves will average the equivalent of one year’s operating budget.

The Election is on Tuesday, november 6.

Register to vote or update your registration by October 9.