Library Levy FAQs – Because We Strive For Transparency!
Why is the Library on the ballot?
The Kingsville Public Library is asking voters to approve a 5-year renewal of the Library’s one-mill levy. This is the same levy term and millage that voters approved in 2004 and have renewed over the past 15 years.
Will my taxes go up if the levy is renewed?
No, your tax will remain the same, based on property values from 2004 when the levy was first passed. Even if your property is reassessed, the tax stays the same until your property is sold.
What is the tax rate now?
Our current operating levy is one mill. This means the owner of a home pays $22.00 annually for every $100,000 of the home’s assessed value. You can find the amount of tax you pay by using the Ashtabula County Auditor’s property search tool, accessible here. Library staff would be glad to assist you if needed.
Who will vote for the Library Levy?
Under Ohio Revised Code (3375.15-3375.18), Kingsville Public Library is a school district library. Its service area includes Kingsville, North Kingsville, and parts of Sheffield and Monroe Township in the Buckeye Local School District. Since the library board is appointed, not elected, the library must rely on the Buckeye Local School District for levy initiatives.
How is the library funded?
KPL receives 42% of its funding from levies and 43% from the State of Ohio’s Public Library Fund. Grants, donations, and fundraising make up the remaining 15%. This significant funding is essential to keep the library’s doors open and its programs running.
How will this levy be worded on my ballot?
The ballot will read: PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) KINGSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Kingsville Public Library for the purpose of current expenses. The county auditor estimates it will collect $115,000 annually at a rate not exceeding 1 mill for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $22 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.
What will you do with the funds should the levy pass?
This is an operating levy, meaning the funds will be used for daily operations, such as acquiring materials for borrowing, paying staff, purchasing supplies, and maintaining the library building. With state funding for public libraries in Ohio remaining flat, these funds are crucial for continuing the high level of service the library provides.
What did the library accomplish in 2023?
- 7 full-time staff and 3 part-time staff
- 3,605 registered borrowers
- A collection of 36,000 items, including books, DVDs, audiobooks, large print, and board games, with 77,000 items circulated
- 583 onsite and offsite programs, with over 13,800 participants
- 8,623 participants in youth programs and 5,988 participants in adult programs
When is the last day to register to vote?
The voter registration deadline for the November 5, 2024 general election is Tuesday, October 7, 2024. You can register to vote at Kingsville Public Library or online at https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/.
Where can I go for more information?
For further information, contact Mariana Branch, the library director, at director@kingsvillelibrary.org or (440) 224-0239.
