Village voters will decide on the upcoming operating levy for the Mount Gilead Library in two weeks when polls open.
Director of the library, Mike Kirk, updated members of village council at its Oct. 17 meeting concerning the information surrounding the voter initiative.
The upcoming operating levy is the first time in the Mount Gilead Public Library’s 108 year history, its board is seeking passage of such an issue. The current bond levy from 1998 for the building will expire in 2018 and the building will be paid off.
The library has been using reduced funding for operations after Ohio’s State Library Fund was cut by about 30 percent in 2009.
“Just like all government entities in the state we were cut significantly in 2009. It has come to point we need to go find another source of revenue,” Kirk said. “We have to contract with the school to use them as our taxing authority.”
The reduction forced the village library to cut its hours as well as the purchase of books and materials. Additionally, the board was forced to reduce its employed staff.
With the end of the building levy in 2018, the library board is seeking support for a one mill operating levy on Nov. 8. The levy will last five years at $2.91 per month or $35 annually on a $100,000 home.
Also at the council meeting, Mount Gilead Police Chief Brian Zerman updated members of the legislative body on a number of MGPD issues.
Zerman stated the department was able to get two of its radars back to working order, but the village would need to begin budgeting to replace them in the upcoming future.
He also urged children, parents and drivers in the village to use caution when going to school in the morning since sunrise is beginning later.
The chief said to exercise safe practices when crossing the street for school, as well as the upcoming trick-or-treat event.
Additionally, council members approved the lowest bid to Midwest Fire for the MGFD’s purchase of a new brush truck.
Fire Chief Greg Young said the F450 V 10 gas truck will cost the department $126,318, but 95 percent of the sum will be covered by a FEMA grant the department will receive.
Mount Gilead Council will meet next on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in the village chambers.
