WHY A LEVY IS NEEDED!

Most libraries in Ohio are funded almost totally by the Public Library Fund (based primarily on Ohio sales tax and income tax revenue). PLF Funds make up 94% of Mary L. Cook Public Library’s income.

Some Libraries supplement their State funding with local money generated by an operating levy.
The Mary L. Cook Public Library currently operates almost exclusively on state funding, never having gone to the local community for an operating levy.

The money Ohio allots to the Public Library Fund is shrinking - drastically. Ohio supports its libraries better than most states, so libraries become a tempting place to cut a budget. In June, 2009 the governor had proposed an even bigger cut for libraries in 2010. An outpouring of support from library users of all ages kept the reduction amount lower.

By the next biennium budget cycle the money generated by the levy
could very well be the library’s assured funding source,
with any amount from the state just a supplement to the budget.

Recent reductions have meant - - -
§ In 2009, our library is receiving 21% less than in 2008.
§ In 2010, our library will receive at least 30% less than 2008.
Because funding is based largely on tax revenue, cuts may be even more extreme if revenue does not rebound!
Mary L. Cook Public Library Received from Ohio ~
2001 $ 722,517
2005 $ 679,381
2008 $ 684,919
2009 $ 538,284 (Projected)
2010 $ 478,037 (Projected)
2011 & Beyond … continual drop in, or no state funding


The Library has been forced to expend Capital Funds (savings put aside for future maintenance, expansion, and renovation) for current building maintenance & technology.

Budgeted in 2010 - $27,000 annual maintenance for hardware & software licenses
$30,000 for required catalog/server upgrades
$80,000 for building and equipment maintenance


What has already been done ...

For several years, Library Director Linda Swartzel has cut expenses in every possible area, but eventually the Library Board had to authorize:
v reducing hours by 20% (13 hours/week)
v wages cut $71,000 (18%) from 2008 wages
v reducing programming
v reducing the purchase of new books and other materials


Levy on the Ballot!

On November 3, 2009, voters in our service district (Waynesville, Wayne Township, Massie Township, part of Clearcreek Township and part of Washington Township) will vote on a ballot issue:
Five year 1-mill levy for Mary L. Cook Public Library operating expenses.

This is the first time the library has asked the local communities for operating money. If the levy passes, the Mary L. Cook Library will receive approximately $564,865 ($525,000 - $540,000 when county real estate assessments are adjusted.)
What this means to the homeowner:
This levy is an increase of property tax.
A homeowner with property of an assessed value of ...

$100,000 will pay $30.62 per year ($2.55 a month)
$150,000 will pay $45.93 per year ($3.83 a month)
$200,000 will pay $61.24 per year ($5.10 a month)

***Point of clarification: the library levy is not connected to any school levy from any district.***

On Election Day local voters have an opportunity to decide what kind of library they want. The proposed levy is for five years. Therefore, even if the levy passes, the Library Board will be very frugal with the money, in anticipation of further cuts from Ohio.


If the levy passes ...

The library board will be able to:
Once again provide DVDs at no charge!
Restore Sunday hours!
Restore the 18% pay cut the staff has taken!
Restore programming!
Purchase more new books and materials again!
Add e-books and e-audiobooks to our collection!

If the levy fails ...

The anticipated $478,037 of revenue in 2010 from State money will only cover basic costs and personnel, at the reduced hours at which the library is now operating. There will be no new books or other materials, no new computers, fewer programs and no other improvements. Money would be spent only on essentials.

Since further cuts from the State are anticipated, if the levy fails, the Library Board will need to consider a further scaling back of hours, possibly closing one day per week, with fewer staff to help patrons. Scaling back hours and staff will impact the number of programs available for preschoolers, children, teens, and adults. As computers become outdated and fail, they will not be replaced.

The ultimate goal of the Library Board is to continue to serve Waynesville, Harveysburg, and Corwin and all residents in our service area to the highest degree our finances will allow for as long as possible.