LIBRARY MILLAGE INFORMATION

The November 2 Ballot Proposal

The Library Board is asking residents to support a millage renewal of 0.38 mills for 10 years (2010 – 2019). If
approved, the funds collected by the millage would be used to permit the continuation of quality library services
to the Milford community. The proposal reflects a REDUCTION from the expired rate of 0.3836. The original millage was approved by voters in 2000 at a rate of 0.4 mills. This millage represents over 31% of the library’s budget.

How the Library is Funded

Like most libraries in Michigan, Milford Library is funded primarily from local property taxes. In fact, property taxes account for 94% of the budget. In addition to the millage request on the ballot, the Library also collects 0.7611 mills for library operations. As home and business values drop during these tough economic times, the millage brings in fewer and fewer funds each year.

Other portions of the Library budget come from State Aid and Penal Fines (2%), Fines and Fees (2%), Interest (1%), and Donations and Rebates, etc. (1%).

Library Usage is Increasing

Milford Library is well used by residents! Since the new facility was opened in 2003, business has boomed:

– 76% increase in circulation since 2002
– 55% increase in reference questions since 2002
– 69% increase in patron visits since 2002
– 522%increase in computer users since 2002
– 60.15% of residents have a library card
– Almost 800 children, tweens, and teens participate in the Summer Reading Program


What the Library Offers

The Library, open 7 days a week during the school year and 6 day a week during the summer, offers a variety of services to residents. We offer nearly 80,000 items in a variety of formats, including print materials, large print materials, books on CD, downloadable books, music CDs, and DVDs. Dedicated staff are available to answer your questions, help you with computer use, and recommend reading, listening, or viewing material. Nearly 300 programs are offered each year, including storytimes, reading and discussion, computer classes, job search classes, etc. Twenty-one computers are available for public use and numerous ports and wireless access allow those with their own computers to go online. The Library also offers space for group study, tutoring, and community meetings.

How much will this millage cost you?
If your home has a taxable value of:	Your cost per YEAR for this millage:	Your cost per MONTH for this millage:
$50,000	$19.00	$1.58
$75,000	$28.50	$2.38
$100,000	$38.00	$3.17
$150,000	$57.00	$4.75
$175,000	$66.50	$5.54
$200,000	$76.00	$6.33
$300,000	$114.00	$9.50

What Happens if the Millage is Not Approved?

This millage represents over 31% of the library’s budget. If the millage is not approved by voters, the library’s budget will be reduced to a level similar to 2000, when the facility was smaller and not as busy. With a decrease of nearly $328,000, the Library Board would need to make significant reductions to operating costs:

•Hours reduced
– Sunday hours eliminated
– Daily hours reduced
– 4 separate week long closures would be scheduled.
•Materials budget reduced
– Popular titles unavailable
– Best sellers reduced
– DVDs and books on CD programs reduced
– Downloadable audiobook program eliminated
– Fewer materials available for school topics
•Technology
– Damaged and/or aging computers not replaced in a timely manner
– Limits placed on length of sessions and daily use of computers
– Fewer available computers
– Internet speed reduced to save costs
•Staffing levels reduced
– Staff run programming significantly reduced. This means no regular storytimes and no computer classes. The Summer Reading Program would have to be reduced in scope. Outreach services to homebound residents would be eliminated.
– Longer wait time for personal assistance
•Community Room
– Fees for use of Community Room during open
hours
– Fees for use of Equipment for meetings

What has the Library Done to Contain Costs?

The Library Board and Staff have worked hard to contain costs as revenue has been declining. Some of these cost containment measures include:

•Staffing
– No wage increases in 2010 or 2011
– Freeze on new positions
– Reductions in hours of part time staff
– Two currently open positions not filled
– Reductions in benefits for eligible staff
•Technology
– Extended replacement schedule for computers
– Change in email account providers that resulted in
cost savings
• Facility
– Continuous monitoring and adjustment of Heating
and Cooling Controls
– Obtaining new bids for cleaning and other services
– Many supplies purchased via State Bid Contract for
lower costs

Are there other ways to raise revenue?

• Increase fines for overdue materials
• Increase fees for copies and computer printouts
• Eliminate 5 free copies per day from computers
• Charge for program attendance
• Re-institute processing fee for lost materials
• Increase fees for guest card usage of computers
• Rental collection for Best Sellers
• Fees for use of Community Room during open hours

These fees would NOT be sufficient to avoid major reductions in library services.

Questions?

Contact Library Director Tina Hatch at (248) 684-0845 x.101 or thatch@milfordlibrary.info