Voters renew library levy

FINDLAY — The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library's five-year operating levy was renewed Tuesday night. According to unofficial results from the Hancock County Board of Elections, a total of 8,179 county voters approved the renewal of the levy, while 2,702 voted against it. All Findlay and Hancock County voters were able to cast ballots for the library levy, except residents of the McComb and Riverdale school districts, which have their own library systems. A few voters in Seneca and Wyandot counties could also vote on the levy. In Seneca County, 1 person had voted for the levy and 2 voted against it in Tuesday night's results. The Wyandot County Board of Election reported 2 votes for the levy. No one voted against it. The library was asking voters to renew a 0.5-mill levy request at a continuation of the same rate the library has been operating under since voters first approved the levy in 2010. For property located within the library's district, a home valued at $100,000 pays $12 a year. The county auditor estimates that the levy for next year will generate $875,000 annually. The levy was first approved in May 2010 to offset an annual loss of about $725,000 when the state cut public library funding by 22.7% between 2008 and 2010. Hours were reduced at the Findlay and Arlington libraries due to the funding cut. The levy revenue allowed the libraries to return to full operations. Levy funds represented about 22% of the library's revenue in 2024, said library Director Sarah Clevidence. The library's largest expenditures are staff and materials.