Way Public Library
1.5 Mill Levy on August 5, 2008
August Election, Millage, Financing
On August 5, 2008, City of Perrysburg residents will be asked to pass a 1.5 mill, 4-year operating levy in support of Way Public Library. This levy is needed to replace our existing 1 mill levy which expires December 31, 2008.
This 1.5 mill levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home $46.00 per year or $34.00 annually for seniors with a homestead exemption.
This is a special election and we are the only issue on the ballot. The Board of Trustees unanimously voted to place the levy on the ballot in August versus November. This was a difficult decision. After much discussion, it boiled down to one important issue: The financial welfare of Way Library is too critical to risk by waiting until the November election.
We are confident of our community’s support for Way and the passage of this levy. However, should the August levy fail due to unforeseen circumstances, the Board of Trustees will have a second opportunity to go on the ballot in November. Had the trustees waited until November for the first vote and the levy failed, Way Library would lose 29% of its current income effective January 1, 2009.
The magnitude of a 29% loss in income would force the Board to make some extreme decisions. Immediate cuts would have to be made to library hours, materials budgets and staff. There would also be fewer programs, special events, technology upgrades and special services.
The Library’s Operating budget is $1,817,706. A 29% loss equates to $534,440.
The 1.5 mill levy will secure the $534,440 and provide an additional
$325,969. The Board agreed that additional funds were needed over the
next four years in anticipation of a decrease in state funding and
increased costs of utilities, building maintenance, personnel,
collection materials, technology and general operating items.