'We rely on that.' Stark libraries worried about potential cut in state revenue
An Ohio House draft of the two-year state budget eliminates the Public Library Fund, a move that would cut millions in funding for Ohio libraries.
Leaders of Stark County library systems said potential cuts could greatly impact services.
"We rely on that," said Mary Ellen Icaza, executive director and CEO of Stark Library, which has 10 locations across the county.
The Public Library Fund covers about 37% to 38% of Stark Library's operating budget.
"Our operating budget is how we keep our locations going and how we are able to provide our collections, resources and services," she said.
The fund covers roughly 66% of Louisville Public Library's operating budget, Director Brock Hutchison said. He said if the House budget passes, changes would need to be made.
"It's hard for me to say exactly what would happen," Hutchison said. "We'd be looking at some kind of cut."
Library cuts? Funding for Ohio libraries at risk of being slashed. Stark libraries need support | Opinion
Under the current system, the Public Library Fund gets 1.7% of the revenue from the state's General Revenue Fund, which mostly comes from sales and income taxes. That money is then divided among Ohio's 88 counties using a formula.
Under Gov. Mike DeWine's proposed state budget, the Public Library Fund's distribution would've been increased to 1.75% of the General Revenue Fund, but the House plan reverses course.
The House proposal would change library funding to a line-item on the state budget.
By dollar amount, it would cut funding from an estimated $530 million in 2025 to $485 million in 2026, according to reporting by the Columbus Dispatch. A House GOP spokeswoman told the Dispatch that the $530 million funding figure for the current year is an estimate that has yet to be finalized.
Compared to DeWine's proposal, the House proposal gives Ohio libraries $100 million less in the next two years. The GOP-controlled House is scheduled to vote on the budget Wednesday.
According to the Ohio Department of Taxation, Stark County received an estimated $15.7 million last year from the Public Library Fund, and is expected to receive about $16.4 million this year.
Icaza said the move to eliminate the Public Library Fund was "fairly shocking" and has caused concern for local libraries across the state.
"We're keeping a close eye on everything," she said. "It's very important that we're here for our community and can provide the services the community needs."
Hutchison said his main concern is that cuts to state funding could impact how Ohio libraries work together to provide resources.
"Ohio always has some of the top libraries, if not the top libraries, in the country by usage and what we're able to offer," he said. "There's so many resource sharing opportunities. If you come into the Louisville Public Library, you can borrow from over 100 libraries across the state, and we'll have those items for you in a day of two."
The state funding makes it possible, Hutchison said.
"We're all funded together, and we're able to collaborate," he said. "It's been a legacy for Ohio's public libraries. Without state funding, or without us being part of the General Revenue Fund, I don't know how that continues."
Louisville Public Library has a 1-mill renewal levy on the May 6 ballot. The uncertainty of state funding makes passing it all the more important, Hutchison said.
"It's a third of our budget, about $360,000 a year that we can count on over the next five years," he said. "It's critical. It's more critical now than ever."
The renewal levy is not a tax increase. Louisville just opened its new library. Hutchison said they will be careful with spending amid the uncertainty.
"Anyone in the public sector always pays attention to tax cuts and bills and budgets in the federal, state and local government," he said. "We live within our means."
Libraries across Stark County have asked their residents to pay attention to the state budget.
Icaza said they are working to try to change the budget and reinstate the Public Library Fund in the final version.
"This is very early in the budget process," she said. "We are trying very hard to mobilize and, you know, stand together as the Ohio public library community."
Stark Library has been doing a campaign asking residents to call their state representatives and tell them to support the Public Library Fund. So far, she's been impressed with the response from the community.
"I am very gratified by the support that the community has shown us," Icaza said.
Reach Grace at 330-580-8364 or gspringer@gannett.com. Follow her on X @GraceSpringer16.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark County libraries respond to potential cuts to state funds
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