How are we funded?
In 2010 the Library received $5.8 million dollars from the following sources:
- Local Property Tax Levy: 54%
- State Public Library Fund: 42%
- Interest, fees, fines, gifts: 4%
How do we use the local property tax levy?
The levy is used to fund the general daily operations of the UAPL. The current levy, which expires on Dec. 31, 2012, represents more than half (54%) of the library's annual revenue.
What is the proposed millage?
The proposed millage is a renewal at the current rate of 2.0 beginning Jan. 1, 2013. It would generate the same amount of revenue as the current levy. This millage rate has been the same since 2002.
How will we use the proposed levy funding?
We will use it to:
- maintain current hours of operation
- maintain existing buildings including addressing any health or life safety needs
- continue core services, such as timely access to new books and videos, online research databases, and free educational programming for adults, teens, children and families.
What is not funded by the proposed levy?
It will not recover revenue lost from state budget reductions ($1.3 million dollars since the end of 2008). Even with the levy's passage, there will still be insufficient funds:
- to fully fund all deferred maintenance projects which are not life safety
- to hire additional library staff to meet new public service needs
- to fully fund all new technology enhancements
What will the proposed levy cost homeowners?
The proposed levy is not a tax increase. Homeowners will continue to pay the same tax rate for the library levy as they currently do.
How does the UAPL levy compare?
Our levy is one of the lowest in the area.
Home valuation amounts have been updated with current information provided by the Franklin County Auditor's Office. (01/18/2012)
What happens if the levy is not approved?
If this levy is not approved, the library will lose more than half (54%) of its operating income. A few likely consequences are:
- many popular library programs and services will be discontinued
- longer wait times for reserved books and audiovisual materials
- significant reductions to hours of operation, materials and staff will be necessary
UAPL Responses to State Budget Cuts
- Reduced hours of operation from 74 hours to 63 hours per week.
- Reduced Youth and Adult Programming.
- Discontinued Youth Outreach services.
- Reduced spending for purchased services and supplies.
- 20% reduction (26 positions) in staff from 2009 to January 2011.
- No salary increases since 2009.
Questions or Comments?
Please send your Levy Renewal 2012 questions or comments to director@ualibrary.org
Thank you!
