Voters to decide 1-mill tax issue for Bluffton library

BLUFFTON — The Bluffton Public Library is seeking the approval of a 1-mill, 10-year additional tax levy in May. Director Jessica Hermiller said the library has had a similar 1-mill levy since it was first approved for current expenses in 2006. Ten years later in 2016, the issue was renewed. With that tax expiring, the board of trustees approved putting the request back on the ballot. Hermiller said this time around, the ballot language says it is an "additional" or new tax because replacement levies are no longer an option as of fall 2025. "The current levy the library is requesting would essentially reset the millage. It is not asking for additional millage," she said. Hermiller said the current levy the library has been receiving is now 20 years old. And with declining income and the Public Library Fund (PLF) being changed to a line-item appropriation, along with overall cost increases, "the support from this levy is more important than ever," she said. In 2025, the library received $130,568 from the levy which represents 26.5% of the budget, she said. "In Ohio, any voted millage doesn't grow with inflation so there's been no increase in the amount the library has received each year," said Hermiller. And with the change to the PLF, community support is more important than it ever was, she said. "We've had a lot of great conversations in the community, both when the public library funding changed its location within the budget and then we've just continued conversation beyond that, just making sure that our community is aware of where our funding comes from and how important it is that we have the support," said Hermiller. "We're thankful to have a property tax in place," she added. "Not every library in Ohio does, and it's an important aspect." Should the additional tax levy be approved in May — and with the reset millage — the levy is estimated to collect $257,404 annually. For the person who owns a home valued at $100,000, the additional cost per year is $35. The money is used for almost everything in the library, said Hermiller. "Things cost more. Books cost more. Our computers are getting to that age where we need to replace them," she said. "The library is very fortunate to be well-supported by the community. We were grateful for the levy in 2006 and 2016 passing, so we're hopeful that the 2026 levy will pass as well." Residents of the Bluffton School District will vote on the proposed tax levy. The majority of voters live in Allen County, while a small number in the district live in Hancock County.