This November a new Levy for Columbus Metropolitan Library with be on the ballot. In the current state of our economy the library is a critical piece for many searching for jobs and trying to get a better education. Take a few moments to review the information on the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) levy campaign website.
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 library’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.
Hope this information helps you make an informed decision on issue 4 this November.
