Issue 4: Columbus Metropolitan Library Levy « Columbus Underground Messageboard

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Issue 4: Columbus Metropolitan Library Levy

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Started 1 year ago by jeff_r
Latest reply from joev
poll: How are you voting on Issue 4?
Yes : (27 votes)

71 %

No : (11 votes)

29 %

Not Voting : (0 votes)

38 votes

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jeff_r

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I thought the Columbus Metropolitan Library levy deserved it's own thread. They'll be on the November ballot and explain the situation like this:

Now more than ever, residents rely on the Columbus Metropolitan Library for books, research, internet access, job searches, homework assistance and other services they need daily.

In 24 years, our library has not increased its 2.2 mill levy, the libraryÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s only local tax support. Due to state budget cuts, our library has had to make $11 million in responsible reductions including reducing pay, cutting staff by 160 positions, deferring maintenance and cutting hours including closing branches on Sundays (excluding the Main library).

The library needs our help to continue to provide services that our community needs.

The issue replaces the 2.2 mills first passed in 1986 and adds 0.6 mills to help balance the budget. It's an additional $5.24 per month per $100,000 of home value.

The November ballot issue is a necessity to help us provide and protect those services. Without it, we could lose up to 75% of our funding and potentially close HALF our libraries.

In the interest of full disclosure I work in the library field (not with Columbus). I am a member of the Columbus Library Friends though.

The campaign site is here:

http://www.keepcmlstrong.org/

In the larger context I think the current economy is localizing politics and issues in a way that we haven't seen in a while. State cuts and lower property taxes are forcing cities and municipalities to go directly to their constituents to meet shortfalls. We've seen it with local income tax votes, school levies, and bond issues. It's a kind of simple and direct democracy.

In this case, if you value libraries and recognize their importance in our community, you'll vote yes. If you think we can do without, you'll vote no.

Posted 1 year ago #
brothermarcus
West Siiiide
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jeff_r wrote State cuts and lower property taxes are forcing cities and municipalities to go directly to their constituents to meet shortfalls. We've seen it with local income tax votes, school levies, and bond issues. It's a kind of simple and direct democracy.
In this case, if you value libraries and recognize their importance in our community, you'll vote yes. If you think we can do without, you'll vote no.

correction - lower property tax revenues, I've not seen a property tax go down for the property owner in my 31 years on this planet. At best the politicians will say "you won't see an INCREASE in your current taxes" but you can pry the levy dollars out of their cold dead hands, or income tax dollars for a City of Columbus reference. and this "simple and direct democracy" does have a finite level of resource in the pocket of the property owner, which is why things are getting so bitter regarding school levies and other millages.

that being said, the Columbus Metropolitan Library is one institution I would personally support - it has a track record of providing exceptional quality services that many local school systems and most local governments cannot begin to compare with.

Posted 1 year ago #
jeff_r

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brothermarcus wrote >>

jeff_r wrote State cuts and lower property taxes are forcing cities and municipalities to go directly to their constituents to meet shortfalls. We've seen it with local income tax votes, school levies, and bond issues. It's a kind of simple and direct democracy.
In this case, if you value libraries and recognize their importance in our community, you'll vote yes. If you think we can do without, you'll vote no.

correction - lower property tax revenues

Right. That's what I meant. As foreclosures increase and property values drop, revenues from property taxes drop too.

I'm glad too that you recognize the value of Columbus Metropolitan Library and its track record of responsible stewardship. Thanks for your support! :)

Posted 1 year ago #
dirtgirl
University District
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Wow, this is an eye-opener. If .6 mils is $5.24 per month per $100,000 of home value, it sounds like I'm already paying them about $40/month for the base millage, and now this increase is another $10. Over $50 a month just for libraries?! I'd pay that for police and fire protection, but that's a lot of money for an occasional book (which usually runs me another $5 in late fees anyway).

I would support a renewal of 2.2 mils, but an increase seems poorly-timed given the economy.

Posted 1 year ago #
Tenzo
Chicago Lakeshore
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Is a 25% tax hike the magic number around here for some reason?

Posted 1 year ago #
RoundTowner
Miranova
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Absolutely NOT worth it! The tax increases have to stop somewhere and the time is now. Strickland has decided to drastically cut funding for Libraries, hoping that the local areas will foot the bill. The libraries are like schools, just keep spending and spending. ItÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s time to rethink the system, Libraries should change from being a lending institution to being a RENTAL institution. Why should I pay taxes so someone can get to listen to the latest rap CD. If you have been to a library during the last decade, you will see its more like Blockbuster, full of CDs and movies, that people take out for FREE.

Posted 1 year ago #
alison

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RoundTowner wrote >>
....Why should I pay taxes so someone can get to listen to the latest rap CD. If you have been to a library during the last decade, you will see its more like Blockbuster, full of CDs and movies, that people take out for FREE.

If you've been to the library in the past few years you'll notice it's a whole lot more like a job readiness center, with resume and job search classes. You'll notice it's a whole lot more like kids community center, with story hours, a safe environment, activities, and an emphasis on reading and education. You'll notice it's a whole lot more like a social leveler, giving people who can't afford a computer and monthly service access to information that is increasingly unavailable anywhere else. You'll notice it's a whole lot more like what the great institutions of democracy are supposed to be -- access for all, not just those with money.

Helps create a more literate youth? Gives kids a safe place off the street to entertain aand educate themselves? Helps people learn more and find jobs? And yes -- gives all of us *including* me access to movies and CDs and entertainment that I wouldn't be able to afford otherwise?

Hell, yes I'll vote for the library. I wish I could vote twice.

Posted 1 year ago #
RoundTowner
Miranova
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alison wrote >>

RoundTowner wrote >>
....Why should I pay taxes so someone can get to listen to the latest rap CD. If you have been to a library during the last decade, you will see its more like Blockbuster, full of CDs and movies, that people take out for FREE.

If you've been to the library in the past few years you'll notice it's a whole lot more like a job readiness center, with resume and job search classes. You'll notice it's a whole lot more like kids community center, with story hours, a safe environment, activities, and an emphasis on reading and education. You'll notice it's a whole lot more like a social leveler, giving people who can't afford a computer and monthly service access to information that is increasingly unavailable anywhere else. You'll notice it's a whole lot more like what the great institutions of democracy are supposed to be -- access for all, not just those with money.
Helps create a more literate youth? Gives kids a safe place off the street to entertain aand educate themselves? Helps people learn more and find jobs? And yes -- gives all of us *including* me access to movies and CDs and entertainment that I wouldn't be able to afford otherwise?
Hell, yes I'll vote for the library. I wish I could vote twice.
Sorry, most of this sounds like the job of a school or daycare or one of several other Govenment programs, NOT another tax payer funded wasteland. As far as a safe zone. If you can get past the smell of pee radiating off of the winos sitting in the front area of the Main Library, then I would buy it.

ItÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s no wonder government keeps raising taxes, when people ACTUALLY VOTE to increase them, politicians must think we are all crazy to throw away money JUST because a levy asks for it.

Posted 1 year ago #
joev
Merion Village
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I'm not voting for the levy. EVERY government entity is making these cuts, and the library shouldn't be exempt. It's a valuable service, and I love the library, but among everything else that's valuable, I can't see giving them more of my money when I'm not getting paid any more.

Posted 1 year ago #
alison

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"Schools, daycares, and other government programs" have also had severe cutbacks -- at a time when services are desparately needed.

The presence of poor people disturbs you that much? You are a delicate flower, aren't you.

Posted 1 year ago #
chaptal
West Side
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CML has not been exempt from making cuts. In the past year, there was a pay cut for all staff. Library hours were also cut, as was the acquisitions budget. This was due to the state allocation being decreased. There has been a local levy in place for the past ten years. This levy is an increase over the current one to replace a lot of funding that was cut from the state budget. Whether or not CML is taking a risk with the increase will be determined at the polls in November.

Posted 1 year ago #
berdawn
near that stretch of N. High Street in the Short North
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RoundTowner wrote >>
ItÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s time to rethink the system, Libraries should change from being a lending institution to being a RENTAL institution. Why should I pay taxes so someone can get to listen to the latest rap CD. If you have been to a library during the last decade, you will see its more like Blockbuster, full of CDs and movies, that people take out for FREE.

anybody else hear that dog whistle?

Posted 1 year ago #
joev
Merion Village
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chaptal wrote >>
CML has not been exempt from making cuts. In the past year, there was a pay cut for all staff. Library hours were also cut, as was the acquisitions budget. This was due to the state allocation being decreased. There has been a local levy in place for the past ten years. This levy is an increase over the current one to replace a lot of funding that was cut from the state budget. Whether or not CML is taking a risk with the increase will be determined at the polls in November.

I understand this levy is partially to make up for the decrease in state revenue. But I'd rather cut library services than give more of my money toward them. If the choice is between cuts in service or shifting the tax burden to us, I choose cutting services in the present economy. I'm not going to make $150 extra dollars this year - which is what this levy would take from me.

While I love having the best library in the nation in Columbus, I think with the economy the way it is, I'd be satisfied with a good library that isn't the best in the nation.

Posted 1 year ago #
chaptal
West Side
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joev wrote >>

chaptal wrote >>
CML has not been exempt from making cuts. In the past year, there was a pay cut for all staff. Library hours were also cut, as was the acquisitions budget. This was due to the state allocation being decreased. There has been a local levy in place for the past ten years. This levy is an increase over the current one to replace a lot of funding that was cut from the state budget. Whether or not CML is taking a risk with the increase will be determined at the polls in November.

I understand this levy is partially to make up for the decrease in state revenue. But I'd rather cut library services than give more of my money toward them. If the choice is between cuts in service or shifting the tax burden to us, I choose cutting services in the present economy. I'm not going to make $150 extra dollars this year - which is what this levy would take from me.
While I love having the best library in the nation in Columbus, I think with the economy the way it is, I'd be satisfied with a good library that isn't the best in the nation.

I see that thinking as a support of a race to the bottom. We were great, and that was wonderful, but I'm not going to spend an extra twelve dollars a month to keep it that way. Let's be good instead.

I know CML has been attempting private donations and partnerships. but that does not seem to be enough. So is cutting more hours and services going to sustain a staff of a once great library that you would be happy to see as good? It's a potentially ugly downward spiral.

Posted 1 year ago #
joev
Merion Village
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When I can't afford a Wagyu New York Strip, I don't just buy it anyway. I switch to hanger steak, which is also delicious, just not as luxurious. To do otherwise would be irresponsible, as I'm not a fan of living outside my means. Libraries should realize there isn't a bottomless reserve of funds out there to beg for when times are rough.

Posted 1 year ago #
alison

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Libraries *do* realize that -- that's why they've cut services, and staff havve made sacrifices. They've done really well with the money they've had, while seeing a tremendous increase in the need for their services -- I'm willing to kick in for a cost-of-business adjustment after ten years. What they do benefits the entire county, at very little cost to me.

Posted 1 year ago #
Cookie
Flyntonville
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joev wrote >>
When I can't afford a Wagyu New York Strip, I don't just buy it anyway. I switch to hanger steak, which is also delicious, just not as luxurious. To do otherwise would be irresponsible, as I'm not a fan of living outside my means.

Like how when I can't afford to buy a book, I borrow it from the library.

Posted 1 year ago #
joev
Merion Village
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I've had my pay cut, am doing a ton more work because we have fewer staff, and my services are more valuable than ever in generating tax revenue - but I'm not asking for a cost-of-business adjustment. This is a terrible time for the library to be asking for more money.

Posted 1 year ago #
chaptal
West Side
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When would be a good time for the library (or any public agency) to ask for more money? The library's infrastructure is stretched to the limit as it is. And while in comparison, CML has it easier with the current levy, take a look in a Southwest Public Library sometime, which does not have a local levy, it's gutted. People in bad economic times come to rely on the library as a place to get educated, use the computers to try to find work or expand on their skills.

Sure, one can be cynical and see the computers as a place to use facebook, play games, and they are definitely being used as such. But people need those good services from the library, and there are not enough of them as is.

Posted 1 year ago #
Tenzo
Chicago Lakeshore
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The issue replaces the 2.2 mills first passed in 1986 and adds 0.6 mills to help balance the budget. It's an additional $5.24 per month per $100,000 of home value.

So they are asking for an additional $xxx/year from me for for a total of $Y,xxx a year for something I don't use.
I'm WAY in favor of libraries. They lead to a more educated populous and provide tangible services that can not be found elsewhere. In the long run public services should promote more self reliance and more people contributing to the government than taking away.

In the two years I have been here our local taxes have gone up $2,000 a year for us. (Government actions on student loans have increased our student loan payments about $YY,XXX at the same time.)
Everything seems worthy, but there is a limit to what I can physically pay. It's tough right now for a lot of people and increased taxes are the wrong way to go.

1) Increased taxes takes away money
2) Increased taxes decreases discretionary spending, which hurts the economy.
It seems that every individual is making cut backs but the government.

The city just raised our income tax 25%. They should put some of that toward the library.

However, given past performance, the measure will pass.

Late Edit: removed personal information. The point is that it's been a tough couple of years for everyone.

Posted 1 year ago #