SCPL Library Renewal Levy Q&A
Scioto County Public Library Renewal Levy
Questions & Answers
Why is the Library on the ballot?
The Library system is asking all Scioto County voters to approve a renewal of the Library’s 5-year one-mill levy. This is the same levy voters approved in 2010, 2014 and 2019.
Will my taxes go up if the levy is renewed?
No. Your tax stays the same. Even if your property is re-assessed, the tax stays the same until your property is sold.
What is the tax rate now?
The library levy renewal will cost a homeowner approximately $26.00 a year if your home or property is valued at $100,000. There would be NO CHANGE to the amount currently included in your property taxes.
What will you do with the funds should the levy pass?
- Continue to offer outstanding programs and services
- Expand library services especially to children and senior citizens
- Expand outreach programming throughout the community
- Offer more bookmobile stops
- Increase open hours at the Portsmouth branch
- Increase print/digital materials and services
- Continue to increase free programming for all ages and abilities
- Maintain all buildings including the historic 1906 Carnegie library
What did the Library do with the prior levy monies?
- Expanded the collections available to Scioto County residents by joining a library consortium
- Became a member of the State Library of Ohio Inter-library loan program to offer many more
materials to patrons - Extended service hours at all branch locations
- Purchased new bookmobile for $463,000 (will arrive in December 2024!)
- $500,000 in repairs to the South Webster Branch building
- $1,000,000 for HVAC and pipe replacement in the 1906 Portsmouth Carnegie building
- Funded Digital resources such as hoopla, World Books ebooks and Libby
- Upgraded technology including Wi-Fi hotspots, Wi-Fi access outside all library locations and leap pads for children
How much does the levy generate for the library system?
The levy provides the Library system with approximately 25% of the annual budget. In 2023, the levy generated funding in the amount of $1,124,000.
What happens if the levy renewal request is turned down?
As the levy constitutes 1/4 of the Library’s budget, cuts in library services and materials would be required. Examples of likely cuts would be a reduction in open days and hours, minimal programming, a decrease in purchasing new
materials and fewer downloadable digital resources.
How else is the Library funded?
The Library’s other primary source of funding is the State of Ohio’s Public Library Fund. State funding has continued to decrease by 55% since 2008: funding for libraries in 2008 was $450.6 million and in 2023 the funding has dropped to $205.2 million.
When is the last day to register to vote?
The voter registration deadline for the November 5, 2024 general election is Tuesday, October 7. You can register online (https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/), at the Scioto County Board of Elections or at any Scioto County Public Library location.
