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Politics & Government

Avon Branch Library Tightening Belt, Levy on Ballot

Gov. Kasich proposing 5 percent cut in state funding to libraries

As public libraries across the state brace themselves for cuts in funding, the continues to look for ways to save money and still operate efficiently.

“We’ve been tightening our belts for quite some time,” said Lorain Public Library System Director, Joanne Eldridge. “We’ve cut our staff, implemented a hiring freeze and reduced purchasing. We are in this whole mood of continuous improvement. Our wages have also been frozen for a few years. Ninety percent of our staff is part of the service employees union and we are currently in contract negotiations.”

Ohio's Public Library Fund (PLF), a large source of revenue for many of the state's libraries, would suffer a five percent cut over the next two years under a spending plan released earlier this week by Gov. John Kasich. The cuts come on top of reductions in the last budget cycle of approximately 24 percent.

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In addition the Avon Branch, the Lorain Public Library System operates five other library branches: main branch in Lorain, south Lorain, Columbia, Domonkas (Sheffield Lake) and North Ridgeville. A Bookmobile brings free library service to various locations in the Lorain Public Library System’s service district with weekly scheduled stops.

According to James Wilson, chief fiscal officer for the System, Avon is in a unique position with regards to federal and state funding and the city’s recent boost in population.

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“The money we receive from the state is first divided up for system-wide expenses, i.e. computer systems, tech support, purchasing new books, human resources, public relations, etc. ” he said. “Then it is sent to the individual branches. Because of the recent census figures, Avon will get more money based on its increase in population. “

But library representatives are quick to point out that any additional monies are still not enough. The libraries also rely on local levies from the community. Avon voters will see a five-year renewal levy on the May 3 ballot. Levies also are on the ballot in Lorain and Sheffield.

The levy will be a renewal of the current 1.2 mill levy, approved in 2006, that expires in 2011. The levy will provide approximately $460,029 per year or 79 percent of the total annual operating revenue for the Avon Branch Library. The renewal levy does not increase taxes.  A homeowner would pay about $1.43 per month for each $100,000 in home value.

According the literature currently circulating to promote the May 3 levy, passage of the levy will continue to provide operating funds solely for the Avon Branch Library; pay for new books, magazines and other materials; keep programs and classes, such as computer training and children’s story times free; keep Internet access available on computers; maintain current level of staff and keep current hours of operation.

Failure of the levy will eliminate 79 percent of the library’s funding. It would likely force a reduction in operating hours from 53 to 19 hours per week; eliminate 10 library staff positions; eliminate all programs and events, including free computer classes and family programs; eliminate six of eight computers with Internet access; and reduce the materials budget.

“Local levies make the local libraries possible,” said Wilson. “Since details of the governor’s proposal are still being worked out, we haven’t even begun to run those numbers are far how much money the libraries could lose. We’ll know more in July.”

Lorain Public Library System 2010 financial summary (Source, Lorain Public Library 2010 Report to the Community):

 

Revenue Source Amount ($) Total (%) Public Library Fund $3,467,994 40 Levies $4,002,048 46 State Rollback & Transfers $982,576 11 Other $310,160 3 Total $8,762,778 100 Expenditures Amount ($) Total (%) Materials $1,361,411 14 Personnel $5,358,761 56 Capital   $777,134 8 Contracts $1,339,289 14 Other $26,049 1 Supplies $189,310

2

Debt Payment $476,460

5

Total 9,528,414 100
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