NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC LIBRARY MILLAGE PROPOSITION ELECTION VOTE May 2 2015 FAQ’s Why is the City Council asking residents to vote on a Millage Proposition? What happens if the Library doesn’t receive the tax revenue? As determined by the Library Board of Directors, the current funding the Library receives is not adequate to support the current level of collections, programs, services, and staffing. Since 2012, the Library has had to use $3M per year from its reserve funds to maintain the current level of service. The City Council has approved placing a question on the May 2nd ballot asking voters if they support an increase in the amount of taxpayer funding the Library receives. The Library will lose over a quarter of its current operating revenue. This will result in a drastic reduction in hours of operation (up to 35%), the closing of up to 7 of 14 library locations, or significant cuts in funding for collections, programs and technology–or some possible combination of all of these. Any final decisions would be made by the Library Board and City. Where does the Library get its funding? From the current 3.14 mill library dedicated property tax. During the years immediately following Hurricane Katrina, property tax revenue continued to accrue to support the Library even though many library locations were either closed or downsized. By 2012, these funds, combined with pre-existing reserve monies, had accumulated to approximately $12M. Since that time, with the opening of five new and larger libraries, it has been necessary to combine annual reserve funds, up to $3M per each year, with property tax revenue to maintain minimal levels of service. By 2016, the Library’s reserve funds will be exhausted and no longer available to augment operations. How long will this proposed tax be collected? Through 2040 – 25 years. Of all parish-wide taxes collected by the City, what portion does the Library receive? The Library receives 2.1% of the total taxes collected by the City (3.14 mills). How does the Library use the tax revenue it receives now? The New Orleans Public Library depends on property tax revenue to support most of its operations. This encompasses the overall operation and staffing of 14 locations and their general maintenance, maintaining and increasing the collection of collection of books, e-books, DVDs, CDs, the maintenance of almost 300 heavily used public access computers, and the development of programs and events. How will the Library spend the increased tax revenue? The Library will increase hours of operation by almost 30%, providing 7 days a week service at 6 Libraries (M-Th 10a-8p, F-Sa 10a-5p, and Su 1p-5p) and 6 days a week service at 9 Libraries (M-Th 10a-8p, F-Sa 10a-5p). Increase funding for collections, programs, and technology. Re-open the Nora Navra Library in the 7th Ward (renovation funds are already secured by FEMA). Are people using the New Orleans Public Library? Yes. In 2014, over 1.1 million items were checked out of the Library, 373,000 people used Library computers, and over 52,000 children, teens and adults attended 3,108 Library programs. How does funding for the New Orleans Public Library compare to other Library systems? The New Orleans Public Library receives the lowest library funding, $23.70 per capita, of all Parishes in the New Orleans Metro area. For example, Jefferson Parish Library receives $49.49 per capita. See comparisons to other library systems. When is the election being held and where do I vote? The election will be held SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2015 from 7 am to 8 pm. To find your voting precinct or other election details, contact the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Election Division: website - geauxvote.com, phone - 800-883-2805. Where do I register to vote and when is the registration deadline? You can get voter registration information from the Orleans Parish Registrar of Voters Office: website - nola.gov/registrar, phone504-658-8300, or email - [email protected]. The election is on the second Saturday of Jazz Fest, can I vote early? Yes, early voting is April 18-25, 2015. To find the early voting locations, contact the Orleans Parish Registrar of Voters Office: website - nola.gov/registrar, phone- 504-658-8300, or [email protected]. How can I help? For information about supporting the Library, contact the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library: phone - 504-292-4803 or email - [email protected]. www.neworleanspubliclibrary.org