Niles library board approves 5 % levy increase at special meeting
The Niles-Maine District Library Board held a special meeting on Monday, to discuss whether or not to increase the tax levy. With a 5-2 vote, a 5 % increase was passed.
Niles homeowners with homes valued at $350,000 would pay $98.53 more a year, according to public documents presented at the special meeting.
Trustee Jason Trunco said the levy was necessary for the library to not go into debt and to address the needs of fixing the roof and approving staff contracts they are negotiating with AFSCME Council 31, the union representing the library’s workers.
Trustees had a heated debate on Monday, with members of the library board speaking over each other at times. The levy is how much money the library can ask from residents through property taxes.
The prior two years saw heavy cuts in the levy. From 2021 to 2023 the library also saw cuts in hours, cleaning services and implemented a hiring freeze.
Trustee Umair Qadeer voiced his support for the levy, saying that on average the increase for a homeowner in property tax would be equivalent to less than $10 a month. “You can go to Dunkin’ Donuts once in the morning, get yourself a couple of doughnuts and a cup of coffee, or you can fund the library,” he said.
Trustee Carolyn Drblik, who served as president of the board in the 2021-2023 term, did not agree with the levy increase, saying that the library’s special reserves could cover the cost of repairs to the library’s roof.
Trunco said that by law, the board won’t be able to access funds that are meant to keep the library running for six months. “If we don’t raise the levy … this library’s out of money within three to four years,” he said.
Drblik acknowledged that there were some funds the library could not use and said the incoming year’s budget was “extremely enhanced” compared to prior years. She said staff was willing to have budget cuts, but changed their minds at budget meetings, implying that there could have been some costs savings.
In regards to the union contracts still being negotiated, Drblik said that the current salary budget is double what salaries are. “We can afford to pay the union, which I doubt is going to be a 100% increase in salaries. I mean. I mean that would be astonishing,” said Drblik.
Library board president Becky Keane told Pioneer Press she supported the levy because the last years had decreases and flat levies. “Combined with inflation, building repairs, and a first union contract, I feel that we need to maximize funds coming in to cover those expenses,” she said.
Drblik and trustee Suzanne Schoenfeldt voted no to the levy increase. Because the levy increase is more than 5 %, the levy would need to go through a Truth in Taxation public hearing. The hearing is scheduled to be at the beginning of the Nov. 15 board meeting.
