Library Supporters Say Issue 16 Needed for Core Services

Among the decisions facing voters on the May 3 ballot, is whether to pass a 1.9-mill, replacement tax levy for the . The 1.3-mill levy, currently in place, expires in December. 

“We need to replace that levy, or we will lose half our income,” said Library Director Kevin Rosswurm. 

Currently operating on a $2.43-million annual budget, the library uses taxes from the levy for resources that include the purchase of materials, such as books and movies, as well as staffing for the library. Recent renovations to the library are separately funded. 

Rosswurm said, while he understands that some voters feel they cannot afford or are resistant to the tax levy, others realize that reductions in state funding require that a local tax levy provide funds to have a solid financial foundation for the library. The community’s use of library resources, including books, computers and other materials and programs, has increased with the economic downturn, he said. 

“It’s gone into record levels in the last few years, and I think it will continue no matter what the economy does. I think what people like to do here is focus on our core services. We are uniquely qualified to do that, no one else does in the community, and achieve a level of excellence in those areas,” Rosswurm said. 

Cuyahoga Falls City Council, which unanimously passed a resolution last week in support of Issue 16, is among other public entities and officials to endorse the library levy. 

“I never like to second-guess what people feel is affordable for themselves or not, but the reality is that on a $100,000 house, this would be $58 per year. They need to compare that to how much it would cost them, otherwise, to carry Internet service in their home, rent movies and CDs and buy books,” Council President Diana Colavecchio, who co-chaired the library levy committee with Mayor Don Robart, said. 

If Issue 16 is not passed by voters, Colavecchio said the 50 percent loss in revenue for the library will include cutting half the library staff. 

“It is absolutely necessary that this invaluable resource remains intact,” she said. 

Some community residents browsing the library shelves said they have decided to support the levy, while other said they do not plan to vote in the upcoming election. 

“It’s just that we use the library all the time. Our kids get books out here all the time. It’s just a great resource,” said Joe Rinehart, a Cuyahoga Falls resident. 

Residents Lori and Curt Chandler, Cuyahoga Falls residents selecting among the library’s audio books, agreed. 

“I use the library a couple of times a month. I drive a long way to work, and I listen to the tapes on the drive. I like the idea that I can just come to check out a few at a time,” Lori Chandler said. 

The Chandlers said they had voted for the existing library tax levy and want that access to continue. 

“It’s just important for the community to have a good library and school district. Once that stuff starts going downhill, everything starts going downhill,” Curt Chandler said.