The St. Joseph Public Library system is asking voters to renew a portion of its operating levy this summer.
A special election will be held Aug. 8 for voters to decide whether to continue a .15 cent levy for a period of 20 years for the St. Joseph Library to operate and maintain facilities. If approved, the levy would continue in 2020. Library Director, Mary-Beth Revels said the levy was initially approved by voters in 1999.
“Continuing the levy for another 20 years will provide for daily operating costs including utilities and payroll at the four branches. It will allow us to update computers, the technology infrastructure and internet and wireless access at the branches. We will be able to purchase more books, audio books, movies and other materials Provide more resources for entrepreneurs, small business and job seekers,” Revels said. “We’ll increase programming and outreach for all ages.”
The total library levy is .42 cents, of that .27 cents is permanent. Revels said the in total it generates about $3.2 million a year. She said the library realizes the community appreciates the inclusion of a sunset clause so the .15 cents is up for renewal every 20 years.
“Part of that money right now is being used to pay for debt because we renovated three libraries and built the East Hills Library,” Revels said. “Right now, that .15 cents is used for operation and for a debt payment. The reason we’re saying continuing that levy for another 20 years is going to increase services is because we’re going to be able to funnel more of that money into maintaining the buildings not just paying the debt.”
Revels said the renewal will also help to restore operating hours that were cut in 2008. She said the goal is to return to seven days a week service at the Downtown library, and six days a week service at Carnegie and Washington Park libraries. If the levy doesn’t pass the library will have to look at cuts.
“If it doesn’t pass then we’ll have to make some really tough decisions about services and hours and cuts even further,” Revels said. “We’re actually supported almost exclusively with local taxes.”