Levy Fast Facts

How important is the levy to the library’s operating revenue?
The existing 1.4 mill levy represents one half ($12 million) of the library’s annual operating revenue, and that levy expires this year. If we do not pass this levy in 2010, in 2011 we will not even resemble the library system that many in our community need and enjoy.

What will happen to the library if the levy fails?
If we are unable to pass this levy in 2010, in 2011 everything we do will be drastically reduced. Hours of operation would be significantly cut – which also means availability of computers, meeting spaces, and programs like pre-school story hours or computer training. Approximately half of our staff, at least 200 people, would lose their jobs. Dramatically fewer books, CDs, and DVDs would be purchased. All of the programs and services we provide to the community would be curtailed, and some would be eliminated.

How will funds from this levy be used?
The funds from this levy are used for all aspects of operating the library—programs, services, staffing, and maintenance of our facilities and our technology. Our Library is seeing record levels of usage; demand and need for library services has never been higher.

How has the library cut costs in response to loss of state funding?
Since 2008 our state funding has declined by about 25%, or $3.6 million. In response to that loss of revenue, we have reduced virtually every area of our budget, from computer purchases to the funding for books, CDs and DVDs. Through attrition we have reduced our workforce by 10% from one year ago –– 44 fewer people work here than did a year ago. Our staff had no raises in 2010.

How will this levy impact homeowners?
The cost of the 1.4 mill replacement levy for the owner of a $100,000 house will be $49 per year or $4.08 per month (reduced to $42.88 or $3.57 per month after rollback/reduction). The 1.4 mills is the same millage approved by voters in 2004. With a replacement levy, the voter-approved 1.4 mills is applied to the current value of property. When the 1.4 mill replacement is applied next year, according to the Summit County Fiscal Office the owner of a $100,000 home will typically pay 21 cents more per month than is currently being collected.

We encourage voters to contact the Summit County Fiscal Office at 330-643-2587 or visit their website to understand how this replacement levy affects their property taxes. Click on Property Tax Distribution to see current tax collection, and click on 2010 Pending Levy Estimator to see how this replacement levy will affect future property tax collection.