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Lane libraries consider levy in face of budget cuts

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By Ryan Gauthier, Staff Writer Updated 8:38 AM Thursday, January 21, 2010

HAMILTON — After undergoing painful budget cuts last fall, a local library system is looking to voters for protection against future funding reductions.

The Lane Public Libraries are currently in the process of putting a 0.75 mill property tax on May ballots, pending approval from the Hamilton City School District.

Spokeswoman Carrie Mancuso said the levy would help secure an estimated $2.58 million in funding for the libraries. The Lane Board of Trustees has already approved the levy, according to Mancuso.

“We have done a lot over the last few years to tighten our belts as much as possible and offer our core services without looking at other types of funding,” Mancuso said. “We have tried to stay in line with the budget given by the state, but we’ve reached a point where we don’t think it’s possible anymore.”

Lane Public Libraries reduced its overall budget by approximately $2.1 million last fall through a combination of cuts to staffing and reduced hours at its various branch locations. Lane lost close to $1.1 million in state funding last year, Mancuso said, with expectations that similar cuts are on their way in 2010.

Mancuso said the potential levy money would help offset those losses, but stopped short of saying the 42 eliminated positions would be restored.

“Our first priority is to maintain the services we have now,” she said. “We could potentially add some hours back and potentially add some things back to our materials budget. But we’re just kind of looking at this early point in time.”

Next week, the Hamilton City School District will make the final call on whether or not the levy makes ballot. In order for an issue to make it onto May ballot, it needs to be filed with the Butler County Board of Elections by Feb. 18.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or rgauthier@coxohio.com.

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