AKRON-SUMMIT DISTRICT SEEKS 1.4 MILLS FOR FIVE YEARS
Rick Armon, Beacon Journal staff writer
A replacement levy for the Akron-Summit County Public Library is likely headed to the ballot in May.
The Summit County Council's Finance Committee on Monday approved legislation to place the 1.4-mill, five-year levy before voters. The issue still must be approved by the full council.
The levy would raise $12.7 million, about $700,000 more than the current one, said Jason Dodson, chief of staff for County Executive Russ Pry.
The existing levy, which expires at the end of this year, costs the owner of a $100,000 home about $43 a year. The replacement levy would cost that homeowner an additional $2.70 a year.
The levy raises money for operations of the Main Library in downtown Akron, as well as 17 branches and bookmobile services.
Library Director David Jennings told the committee that the library contributes to the quality of life in the community.
He also noted that the demand for services has increased over the last decade, with the number of items borrowed increasing to more than 6 million last year and the number of annual visitors jumping 77 percent to 3.2 million in 2008.
"The service is always top notch," Councilwoman Ilene Shapiro said.
The library district serves Summit County residents who live in the Akron, Copley-Fairlawn, Coventry, Manchester, Green, Highland, Mogadore, Norton, Nordonia Hills, Revere, Springfield, Tallmadge and Woodridge school districts.
In other business, the council's Planning and Economic Development Committee approved the sale of 8.3 acres along Darrow Road in Tallmadge to Heather Knoll Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
The company will pay $430,512.
"We really don't have any use for [the property]," Dodson said.
The county plans to use the money to plug a projected budget gap this year. Heather Knoll wants the property for future development.
The Finance Committee approved the county advertising for bids for armed security guards at the new Veterans Services Commission building on East Waterloo Road in Akron.
The cost estimate is $52,000 for this year and next year. The guards would provide security 35 hours a week.
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