The Monroe County Library System is asking for a RENEWAL of the one mill tax levy that funds 83% of the library system’s operating budget.
Without this renewal it would be impossible to continue the current level of library services in Monroe County.
The State of Michigan requires local millage support for a library to be eligible to receive state aid to Libraries. Without a local millage, we would not receive State Aid. Without state aid we would not be eligible for membership in a library cooperative. The loss of state aid would also negatively impact the popular statewide delivery service known as MelCat. We would be forced to operate on penal fine income alone. Penal fines make up only 13% of our income.
Like any other tax supported institution (zoos, museums, fire departments), without operating funds the library system would be unable to provide the services our citizens have come to expect.
83% of the library’s 2012 budget comes from taxes, currently one mill on property throughout the county. This money pays for staffing, materials, technology and programming. It is our operating income.
Other library funding consists of penal fines (13 %), State Aid (1%) contract income (2%) and other income (1%)
We are seeking a RENEWAL of our one mill levy for a period of 8 years. Originally approved in 2004, this is NOT a new tax or additional tax.
What is the cost to the average homeowner?
On a home with a market value of $100,000 and a taxable value of $50,000, the one mill tax would cost the homeowner $50 per year. You will need to check your tax statement for the taxable value of your property. Multiplying the taxable value by .001 will result in the library millage renewal amount.
What are the election details?
The primary election is on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 from 7am-8pm. Voters must be registered by Monday, July 9. You can register to vote at your local clerk’s office, the County Clerk’s office, the Secretary of State’s office, or by mail. Applications are available at www.michigan.gov/elections
Eight Years of Additional Services:
- In 2011, there were 104,064 Monroe County citizens with library cards.
- 1,440,318 items circulated in 2011 and is a 57% increase since 2004.
- Public computers were used 192,146 times in 2011, an increase of 183% since 2004.
- Since 2004 an average of 73,000 people per year have attended library programs.
Additional Free Services Since 2004:
Downloadable ebooks & audiobooks
Online databases for research
More public computers
Computer classes
New technology classes
Community Partnerships
- Michigan Works!
- Celebrate Children
- Be Their Hero
- Earth Day
Programming for Adults, Children & Teens
Fine Thing To Do - Fine Forgiveness
Expanded website
Mobile app for smartphones
Outreach delivery services to seniors &
homebound patrons
MeLCat
Business Resource Center
Book Club Kits
Expanded genealogy collection
Laptops for borrowing
Free Wifi in all branches
Early Childhood literacy programs
Find us on:
Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Flickr & Youtube
And more! Visit your local branch to see all
of the free services available at your library.
Excitement awaits on every single page of thousands of books that are gathered in one miraculous place: the library - Dallin Bowie, Middle School Student
My children have learned to love reading, books, and the value of pursuing whatever topic they are interested in via the library. - Stephanie Lindsay, Library Patron
The library with all this knowledge helps me push my way to my future in the medical field, where I too will be able to help those in need like the library had helped me. - Allen Spaulding, High School Student
