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Library Levy FAQs

What We’re Asking For: 


The Library is asking voters to approve a 5-year RENEWAL of the Library’s 1.1 mil levy. It’s the same levy you have now!

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Where Do You Get the Money to Run the Library?

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• State taxes provide 59% of operating costs
• Current operating levy (1.1 mil) provides 40% of operating costs

• Other sources (donations, grants, fees, etc.) provide 1% of operating costs

 

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Will My Taxes Go Up If The Levy Is Renewed? 

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No. Your tax stays the same. Even if your property is reassessed, the tax stays the same until your property is sold.

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How Much Will The Levy Cost Me?


The owner of a home assessed at $100,000 pays approximately $28.18 a year for the Library levy. 

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What Will You Do With The Funds Should The Levy Pass? 

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  • Maintain current operating expenses

  • Continue to update technology​​

  • Continue to expand all collections

  • Benefits both Elmore & Genoa Libraries

 

Why Do We Need a Library Levy?


State funding for libraries was cut severely in 2008 and has only improved slightly in that time.  In order to maintain services, the library asked voters to pass a 1.1 mil levy in 2010.  It was renewed in 2015 and 2019.  The current levy RENEWAL request will maintain the current level of services.

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How Will The Levy Money Be Used?

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Monies raised by this levy are used for maintaining current operating expenses of both libraries.  This includes staff salaries, library print & non-print materials, supplies, building/tech maintenance, & utilities

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When Will This Levy Be Put Into Effect?

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• State law allows the library to ask for a renewal/replacement up to one year prior to the expiration of the levy
• The current levy expires in 2024, with the latest taxes due in 2025
• The renewal levy, if passed, will take effect in 2025 with the first taxes being paid in 2026

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Who Pays For This Levy?

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All property owners in the library district (Harris, Clay, & Allen Townships--Ottawa County, OH) are taxed through this levy.  

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What Will Happen If The Levy Does Not Pass?

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Since 40% of the annual budget comes from this levy, severe cuts will have to be made with fewer library hours, less programming/outreach, reduced purchasing of library materials & a decrease in technology offerings.

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2023 Library Stats for 2024 Levy.png

Why Should We Pay For A Levy When We Already Paid To Renovate both Libraries?

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The Library created a strategic plan a few years ago, which allowed them to survey the patrons in its districts. According to the survey results, there was a great need to provide a meeting room, additional technology, and comfortable spaces within the Elmore Library.  

 

The library used its past levy and State funds frugally to still provide great service, but to also put back money into the building fund to facilitate the building project, thus addressing the needs of the community.  Building costs were higher than expected, so this was offset by donations from the community and finding ways to build/renovate in a more cost effective way.  

 

The library could have put up a bond issue that would have required tax payers to be taxed to pay for bonds, which are sold to raise funds specifically for capital (building) improvements.  The Board of Trustees did not want to place this burden on the voters and sought to only seek voluntary donations to help recoup the lacking funds needed to complete this renovation and addition project at the Elmore Library. 

 

What we are asking for is a renewal levy that is for library operating expenses.  It will help the library to maintain and possibly expand its materials, services, and facilities in the manner to which the public has become accustomed.  

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