Posted June 2, 2003.

Ohio Library Funds Hang on Senate Bill

Continuing financial support for Ohio’s libraries is now up to the state Senate, as the finance committee considers a bill that would keep funding levels at 5.7% of the state income tax. The House of Representatives already approved a version of the bill, after library supporters convinced legislators to reject a proposal to trim $450 million or more from the Library and Local Government Support Fund.

However, no new cuts simply means things wouldn’t get worse than they are now, said Mansfield/Richland County Public Library Director Joe Palmer, who announced reductions in library hours and staff positions May 21 to deal with the ongoing budget crisis. “Our whole strategic plan has been wiped out by this,” he said in the May 22 Mansfield News Journal.

Richland County cuts include closing the main library on Sundays and reducing Friday hours at seven branches; in addition, 18 employees will be laid off and 12 will be reassigned. Palmer said he agonized over the decision for weeks, but said cutting back now would reduce the projected deficit at the end of 2005 from $1.8 million to $600,000. He also noted the board may consider a new levy this year.

Ohio Library Council Director Doug Evans is keeping a close watch on the Senate’s decision. “Our concern with a freeze is that if the economy turns around, we wouldn’t benefit from it,” he said in the May 13 Huntington (W.V.) Herald-Dispatch.

The state legislature must approve a budget by the end of June.

Posted June 2, 2003.