It’s a consolidation of two levies, one a 0.5-mill operating levy which passed in 2009, and the other a .94-mill levy which will expire at the end of this year.
With the levies combined, the library won’t have to seek another replacement levy until 2017 if it passes this year, according to the library website.
“If it didn’t pass, we would probably rethink what we were asking for, and it would return again in some form next year,” she said, noting hours of operation, staffing, and purchase of new materials would also be affected.
The levy comes as the library has seen a decrease in state funding, which accounts for 69 percent of its budget. Levies account for 28 percent, and another 3.2 percent comes from fines, fees, donations and other services.
Since 2001, state funding for the library has decreased from $1,616,234 to $1,201,721, a 25.6 percent drop over 11 years, said Library Director Ann Snively.
If voters approve the levy on Nov. 6, the total library tax per year will cost the taxpayer $45.94 for each $100,000 of appraised property value and will help offset lower revenues because of decline in property values.
“(If the levy passes), the library will continue to provide the excellent service that we do.” Schenk said.
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