Q: What is the Dexter Free Library asking for with this referendum vote?
A: The Dexter Free Library is appealing to our community for a funding increase in the amount of $5000.00.
Q: How will the funding be used?
A: The Dexter Free Library relies on our talented staff to meet the needs of our community, from children’s programming to computer help. The proposed increase will be used to help provide the competitive wages and benefits we need to recruit and retain personnel with 21st century skills.
A: The Dexter Free Library requires upgrades that will make it more energy efficient with new LED lighting, a newly constructed window, and 2 new doors.
A: The Dexter Free Library requires upgrades that will make it more accessible to all members of our community. Our plans are to install an additional new door that is handicap accessible.
Q: Why now?
A: The Dexter Free Library is mindful of its responsibility as a publicly-funded organization to make every dollar go as far as it can in service to the community. However, after 7 years of operating with our current funding, the library is no longer able to provide the level of service the community deserves. The proposed increase will allow the library to not only implement the programs and services outlined in our board-approved strategic plan, but also to adapt to new trends and technologies as modern librarianship continues to evolve.
Q: Why a referendum instead of a loan or a grant?
A: Placing a referendum on the school ballot is a sustainable way for the library to ensure it has the means to provide high-quality service to our community. It allows the voters a direct voice in the funding process, and once approved, it’s funding the library can rely on year after year.
Q: Are there alternative funding sources available to the library?
A: The library receives funding from a variety of sources, including the village, the town, the county, and the state. However, this funding is completely discretionary and is never guaranteed.
Q: How much will the increase cost me as a homeowner?
A: An increase of $5000.00 will mean an approximate tax rate increase of $.068841 per thousand. Homeowners with property assessed for $100,000 will see an increase of approximately $6.28. This equates to less than the cost of one book per taxpayer!
Q: What is the library’s portion of the latest property tax bill?
A: The library tax is a separate line item on your school tax bill. That tax is separate from the school tax and is not a part of the school district budget. All money collected from the library tax goes directly to the library.
Q: What will happen if the referendum does not pass?
A: Without the proposed increase, the building project will be delayed until the library can raise the matching funds through grants or donations.
A: Without the proposed increase, a reduction in hours or services will be necessary.
Q: When will the vote be held?
A: The library’s school ballot referendum vote will be held on May 20, 2025 from 12 – 8.
Q: Who can vote?
A: Voters participating in the school ballot election must be at least 18 years of age and registered to vote in the General Brown School District.