MidPointe Library System seeking renewal levy on Tuesday ballot

Eastern Butler County voters will determine if a tax levy for the local library system will be renewed.

The MidPointe Library System’s Board of Trustees is seeking a five-year, 0.75-mill renewal levy on Tuesday’s primary election ballot. The tax levy was placed on the ballot by Middletown City Council, which serves as its taxing authority, because the library board is unable to put a tax levy request directly to voters.

Voters in the MidPointe Library system approved a five-year tax levy for operations in 2010 and in 2015, according to Butler County elections records.

“We’re hoping to see supporters come out and vote for the levy,” said Cari Hillman, library community engagement director. “We’ve worked hard for the past 10 years showing we’ve been good stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

In 2018, the revenues from the library levy generated more than $3.13 million, Hillman said.

“This will maintain the current operating services and materials, technical resources for users and sustain programs for all age groups,” Hillman said. “It provides nearly 36 percent of the MidPointe Library Systems operating costs and is essential to keep the library strong.”

Since the levy was renewed in 2015, MidPointe Library System opened new branches in Monroe and Liberty Twp. and resumed the Bookmobile service after more than 30 years. She said the Bookmobile visits 26 schools, other locations and community events.

“Approval of the levy will keep us strong and allow for sustained expansion in growing communities and make sure all locations have the services that our patrons deserve,” she said.

The Butler County Auditor’s Office said the renewal levy would cost about $21.44 per year per $100,000 of property value. Deputy Auditor David Brown said the average home value is $144,000 in the MidPointe Library System district, which includes Middletown, Trenton, Monroe and West Chester, Liberty, Lemon, Madison and Wayne townships.

The MidPointe Library System serves a population of almost 200,000 people and offers a collection of nearly half a million materials at locations in downtown Middletown, Liberty Twp., Monroe, Trenton and West Chester, as well as a bookmobile.

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