Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:Have you ever seen a child put his hands over his ears, close his eyes, and scream at the same time when he (or she) doesn’t want to hear the word “no”? That’s what the Holmes County Library Board is doing since they can’t take no for an answer, and deem it necessary to put the request for a levy to voters again in a special election in August, at a time of year when, they hope, the last thing on people’s minds is to go to a polling place and vote on a one or two issue ballot! Low voter turnout would benefit their cause as was the case with the results of the levy on the spring ballot. It is an underhanded way of pushing something through that has repeatedly been voted down.It’s time, library board, to get off your soapbox and respect the will of Holmes County voters. There are ways to think outside the box to fund library programs. You could begin by doing some footwork and finding the people who do not mind paying $25 increase per $100,000 of property taxes that you claim this would amount to and give them the privilege of doing so. You could also begin to charge people a membership fee for those who do want to use the library, or set up a fund that people can donate to the library of their own free will. Be creative! However, you need to stop asking property owners in the Holmes County to pay for it when they have already said no twice (or is it three times?). Remember, everyone can vote, but only property owners pay for it.Another item of interest would be to know how much of the library budget goes to salaries, benefits, and perks. What does it cost to maintain your buildings? Are those cell phones paid for by the tax payers? Do we give you a vehicle to drive or pay the mileage for yours? Most people have computers these days. Maintaining a network of computers can be a major expense.Will the taxpayer be required to pay for this special election? This issue was raised by the Holmes County Commissioners when they were required to vote yes to put this issue on the ballot August 3.During the last two campaigns for this levy, there was no public opposition to the levy that I could see. There were a lot of signs that said “vote yes” but none that said “vote no.” The local newspapers published several articles in support of the levy by talking to those in favor of it. Any official opposition was not stated, nor anyone that opposed it interviewed. Based on the election results, those who opposed it were readily available. Let’s have an open and honest discussion concerning this and all levies. The library has gotten used to a certain level of funding which came about when the state was spending our tax dollars freely. Now that those days are gone, it’s time for the library to pinch pennies, not ask local tax payers to bail them out. Holding out your hand and saying “more please” is not the answer.Warren Miller, Berlin