Tuscarawas County Public Library

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Tuscarawas County Public Library

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LEVY

I don't remember seeing the library on the ballot before.  What is the issue on the ballot in November?

If the library has a continuous levy in place, why does it need to place a levy on November's ballot?

Is the library in financial trouble?

What makes up the library's general fund? 

How much money does the operating levy generate for the library?

How much will this operating levy cost me?

How will the money be used?

What will happen if the operating levy doesn't pass?

 

I don't remember seeing the library on the ballot before.  What is the issue on the ballot in November? 

The library has not been on the ballot with an operating levy in 22 years.  The levy on the ballot in November is a replacement of our .3 mill continuous levy plus an additional .2 mill continuous levy for a total of .5 mill continuous levy.

 

If the library has a continuous levy in place, why does it need to place a levy on November's ballot?

Operating levies have a rollback effect.  Although our continuous operating levy which was put in place in 1986 is .3 mill, we are currently only collecting at .1 mill.  In addition, the funding we receive from the state has decreased.  Because of these two factors, our general fund in 2008 equals our general fund from 1998, ten years ago. 

 

Is the library in financial trouble?

We have reached a point where we can no longer continue to provide the same materials, technology, and services that our customers have come to expect without passage of this operating levy.  This levy is necessary in order for us to continue to provide the quality and innovative materials and services you have come to expect from our library system.   

 

What makes up the library's general fund? 

The Tuscarawas County Public Library system's revenues are made up by approximately

86%  state dollars

10%  operating levy dollars

4%  fines, fees & investments

 

How much money does the operating levy generate for the library?

Passage of November's levy will generate approximately $435,331 per year in new dollars for the Tuscarawas County Public Library system. 

 

How much will this operating levy cost me?

For a homeowner whose home has an appraised market value of $100,000, the levy will cost an additional $11.43 per year, 3 cents per day or less than $1.00 per month.

 

How will the money be used?

The levy dollars go into our general operating fund and are used for materials, technology, and services at our New Philadelphia, Bolivar, Strasburg, Sugarcreek, and Tuscarawas locations, as well as our bookmobile. 

The additional dollars generated from passage of this levy will be used at all of our locations for things such as:

  • Continued quality and innovative programming for children, tweens, teens, adults, and seniors

  • Continued bookmobile service to our branch community schools

  • Additional and updated computers

  • Updated wireless connections

  • Computer training for the public

  • Multiple copies of bestselling books, resulting in decreased wait time for reserves

  • Updated formats for audiovisual materials like DVDs and Blu-Ray discs instead of videos; CDs instead of cassettes; Playaways in addition to audiobooks; etc.

What will happen if the operating levy doesn't pass?

The Board of Trustees, the library director, and the fiscal officer will need to determine where programs, materials, and services can be reduced or eliminated. 


Library Levy Information

Levy FAQ

 

Book Discussion Group
October 21st @ 1:30 p.m.
The Book Thief
 by Markus Zusak
 more information

The Final Chapter
October 23rd @ 7:00 p.m.
1st to Die by James Patterson
 more information

121 Fair Avenue NW New Philadelphia, OH  44663    (330) 364-4474

last updated 10/14/2008