Oberlin seeks library tax levy renewal

Oberlin City Council approved a resolution Monday night to submit a question to local residents to consider renewing a levy to support the Oberlin Public Library. While the existing levy still has more than a year before it expires, Oberlin Public Library Director David Fausnaugh said the levy renewal process has begun to ensure the funding source that accounts for approximately half of the library's operating revenue. "We're actually coming back for the renewal earlier than we have to just to make sure that we can lock it in and have that," Fausnaugh said. "Especially when state funding is kind of volatile right now." The library's levy will remain at a millage rate of 3.25, Fausnaugh said. According to the library director, the levy's mill rate has remained at 3.25 for more than a decade. If the levy were to be renewed, the anticipated revenue raised would be $723,019, according to an Oberlin City Council document. Oberlin officials said that the revenue raised will not be more than previous years since it is a renewal levy and not a replacement. Fausnaugh referenced the current debates at the state level for future funding of public libraries throughout Ohio. Earlier in the year, state House representatives included plans to eliminate the public library Fund in an initial draft of the budget — a funding model that has stood for decades. The Ohio House of Representatives partially reversed course and increased funding for public libraries after library advocates across the state — including Fausnaugh — expressed concerns with future funding. The Ohio Library Council applauded the collective action and response from legislators. However, Council officials still pointed to how the change falls short of what Gov. Mike DeWine originally proposed, which called for a raise in the share of the general revenue fund. "While we appreciate the House's efforts to adjust the funding proposal, it's important to note that the current version of the bill still falls $90.8 million short of the governor's recommended funding for public libraries over the biennium," the Ohio Library Council said in a statement at the time. Fausnaugh said Monday's vote was a step toward getting the levy "locked in, so that we can count on having this large chunk of our revenue." Moving forward a year early "just seemed like the sensible thing to do," he said. "We wouldn't actually have to renew this until next year, like next November, to get it renewed before it expires. So this just kind of extends it off of that, earlier than we need to." Following the vote by Oberlin council members, community members will be presented with the levy proposal in order to consider supporting it to fund the library. "These are places where the community comes together and learns a lot about what's going on in the community, what's going on in the bigger world," said Oberlin Council Vice President Michael McFarlin. "There's a multitude of benefits for the community. And so, from Council's perspective, we think it's money well spent." McFarlin said he and the other Council members hope the community continues to support the library funding. Fausnaugh said the Oberlin Public Library has consistently received positive support from the city's residents and the surrounding community. "I'm always excited when I hear people talk about us as one of the real assets to the community," Fausnaugh said. "We're very proud of that." Once members of the Oberlin community consider the question of library funding renewal, Oberlin officials said the next step is to include the levy on the ballot in November. Considering the support the library has received from the community in the past, Fausnaugh said he is hopeful the levy renewal will pass. "Hopefully we'll continue to prove worthy of getting those yes votes," Fausnaugh said. "I never want to take anything for granted, but, at the same time, I haven't received any feedback that leads me to believe that the community won't continue to support us." Contact Garrett Looker at glooker@chroniclet.com.