Library Levy FAQs

What is the Library Levy?

➤The Library Levy on this upcoming May 14th ballot is an opportunity for the citizens of Ohio County to approve a tax reallocation and voice their support for the Ohio County Public Library. If passed, the Levy will restore funds to OCPL that were cut in 2021.

How will this Levy be worded on my ballot?

BOARD OF EDUCATION
OHIO COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
LEVY ELECTION
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024

Special election to authorize the continuation of additional levies for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025, July 1, 2026, July 1, 2027, July 1, 2028, and for the purpose of maintaining and improving the instructional programs and the operation of school services in Ohio County including, but not limited to:

A. Support of the Ohio County Public Library

APPROXIMATE ANNUAL AMOUNT OF:
$1,006,223

according to the order of the Board of Education of the County of Ohio, entered on the 8th day of January 2024.

TOTAL APPROXIMATE NET ANNUAL AMOUNT NEEDED AFTER DUE ALLOWANCES FOR DELINQUENT TAXES, DISCOUNTS, AND EXONERATIONS:   $1,006,223

In the event other funds or additional funds are obtained by grant or allocation from the state, federal local, or any other sources, such funds may be used in place of the funds described above and/or in addition to the amount obtained from this levy.

The Board of Education of the County of Ohio may, if the Board seems it to be in its best interests reduce these said rates in any given year or years during the term of this levy after determining the sufficiency of funds for school purposes for the next ensuing taxable year.

The continuation approved on May 14th, 2024, of an additional levy for each $100 assessed valuation of property shall be on Class I property 0.92 cents; on Class II property 1.84 cents; on Class III property 3.68 cents; and on Class IV property 3.68 cents.

How much will the Library Levy generate?

➤Approximately $1,006,223 per year.

Will the Library Levy increase my taxes?

➤No. OCPL is partially funded by the Ohio County Board of Education, so money to support the library comes from the portion of your property taxes which have already been earmarked for Ohio County’s education sector.

Why does the Ohio County Board of Education fund OCPL?

➤The Wheeling Public Library was formed in 1882 when the WV Legislature tasked the Wheeling Board of Education with funding a public library at a rate of 3 cents per every $100 of assessed property value.  This level of funding continued until 2021 when the rate was reduced by the Board of Education to 2 cents per every $100 of assessed property value.

What happens if the Library Levy passes?

➤Library funding will be restored to pre-2021 levels (approximately 3 cents per $100). OCPL will be able to buy more materials (books, DVDs, ebooks, audiobooks, games, etc.) and increase funding for programming for both adults and children.

What happens if the Library Levy fails?

➤The Ohio County Board of Education will continue to fund the library at its current reduced level of 2 cents per every $100 of assessed property value.

Will the Library Levy take money away from Ohio County Schools?

➤No. OCPL has been a small part of the Ohio County Schools budget since 1882.

What will OCPL do with the increase in funding if the Library Levy passes?

➤As mentioned above, we will be able to restore funds to line items that were cut when our funding was cut in 2021. These line items include children’s programming, adult programming, books, audiobooks, e-books, technology, upgrades, and more. 

Who else funds OCPL?

➤The Library also receives funds from the Ohio County Commission and the State of West Virginia.

When is the last day to register to vote in order to vote on this ballot?

➤April 23, 2024 is the last day to register to vote on May 14th. If you would like to register or check your registration, visit the WV Voter Registration page online here.

Other than voting, how else can I support the library?

➤By joining the Friends of the Library group! To find out more about the Friends Group and how you can be involved, take a look at their Facebook page.

If you have any further questions about the upcoming ballot or the library levy, please don't hesitate to reach out to the library director Amy Kastigar at [email protected] or call the library at (304)232-0244 and ask for Amy.