There really is no way to give a definitive answer to this question. Too much depends on how quickly the economy in Ohio recovers. Library funding in Ohio is based on a percentage of the overall general sales tax revenue received by the state. For the state's fiscal years of 2010-2011 (July 1, 2009-June 30, 2011), that percentage has been reduced. Our library's income from the state for calendar year 2010 is projected to be $20,000 less than what we received in 2009.
To absorb this loss in revenue, we have had to reduce hours and reduce expenditures for materials. In March 2010, we will begin receiving the increase from the levy passed in March of 2009 by the voters. This levy increase will result in nearly $60,000 in additional revenue; however, with the loss of nearly $70,000 in the past 2 years, it is very difficult to estimate when we might be able to return to normal operating hours.
The latest estimate from the Ohio Library Council is that library funding may not return to previous levels until 2016 -- if at all.
We will continue to look for ways to provide new or maintain present services in a cost-effective manner.
