What is the issue on the ballot in November?
The levy on the ballot in November is a replacement of the Library’s 1 mill levy. The library currently has a .5 mill continuous levy, approved in 2008, and a 1 mill continuous levy, approved in 2014.
Why is the levy necessary and why is the Library only seeking to replace one of its levies?
Deciding to go to taxpayers for support is something our Board considers carefully; they never want to ask the taxpayer for more than is needed. After discussions and fact gathering, the Board determined that asking the voters to replace the 1 mill levy would enable the TCPL to continue to provide the services that the community has come to rely upon.
How much money will the replacement levy generate for the library?
Passage of November’s replacement levy will generate approximately $436,000 additional dollars annually for the Tuscarawas County Public Library system, which consists of the Main Library and Operations Center, four physical branches, and Mobile service operations.
How much will the replacement of this levy cost me in additional taxes?
Replacement of the 1 mill levy will cost the taxpayer an additional $10.65 per year per 100,000 valuation. These figures are certified and will not increase with future home valuations.
If this levy passes what will my total tax be in support of the Tuscarawas County Public Library System?
Taxpayers are currently paying $36.19 per year per 100,000 valuation in support of the Tuscarawas County Public Library System.
With the passage of the November levy, taxpayers will pay $46.84 per year per 100,000 valuation. That is less than $1 per week or $3.90 per month, per 100,000 valuation, in support of the Tuscarawas County Public Library System.
Why does the library need more local revenue?
To continue providing the materials, programs, and services that customers have come to rely upon, the Tuscarawas County Public Library System must increase its local revenue. There are three reasons the Library needs to increase its local revenue.
- State revenue to Ohio’s public libraries has been reduced. The state’s recent biennium budget sees a reduction of $25M over FY26 and FY27 to Ohio’ public libraries.
- The rollback effect of levies with time means the effective millage of the Library’s existing levies has rolled back. The 2014 1 mill levy is collecting at today’s equivalent of .7 mill rate. Replacement will restore the effective millage to 1 mill.
- Keeping up with Inflation & Rising Costs - Costs for personnel, books, movies, computers, and equipment have all increased, along with utility and building repair costs.
How will the money be used?
The levy dollars go into our general operating fund, which is used for materials, technology, and services throughout the Library’s service district. The Library’s service district consists of our Main Library and Operations Center in New Philadelphia; our branches in Bolivar, Strasburg, Sugarcreek, and Tuscarawas; and our system’s Mobile Services operation to area schools, home delivery customers, nursing homes and senior residential communities, and pop-up community stops in the more remote areas of the Library’s service district.
The additional dollars generated from passage of this levy will allow the Library to continue providing the services customers rely upon, including:
- Excellent programs and services that support early literacy and state educational initiatives.
- Material and technology support for educators, home educators, parents, students, and adult learners.
- Engaging programs and services for every age and stage of life —preschoolers, school-aged kids and teens, adults, and seniors.
- Access to computers and MakerSpace equipment, as well as technology-related services like printing, faxing, and classes.
- Robust physical collections that include large print, bestsellers, newspapers, music, magazines, and non-traditional items.
- Quality digital collections like eBooks and magazines, as well as streaming music, movies, and audiobooks.
- Cooperative lending and borrowing within a consortium of libraries across the state of Ohio.
- Notary, Passport, and Test Proctoring services.
- Access to free meeting spaces at our Main and Bolivar locations.
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff to offer assistance in welcoming environments with daytime, evening, and weekend hours.
What will happen if the operating levy does not pass?
The Board of Trustees, the Library Director, and the Fiscal Officer—with input from the library staff—will need to determine where programs, materials, and services can be reduced or eliminated.