The Sweet Home Public Library closed to the public Saturday after voters turned down the city’s third request to extend its operating levy on May 20.
The levy passed by almost 2-1 but failed for lack of a majority turnout.
The levy would have extended library operations for four more years beginning in 2003-04 with a rate of 69 cents per $1,000. That request was reduced 10 cents from the amount requested in the previous elections in March and November.
The defeated levy would have provided a new part-time employee, an increase in the library’s book budget and cash flow for the first four months of the fiscal year before tax revenues are available.
The library opened to the public for the last time on Saturday, but employees will work about another week to get the library ready to close, City Manager Craig Martin said. The city provided two weeks notification to employees about the closure. Those employees include three part-time librarians and one part-time director.
The library had to shut down before the end of the year because the city was running short on funds for the current fiscal year, ending June 30, and the city must pay accruals, such as vacation time, Martin said. Funding was short this year primarily because of the unanticipated staff costs and lower-than-expected tax collections.
The four computers provided by the Gates Foundation for Internet use may need to be returned, Martin said. They were provided under the condition that they were used in a library. He did not know whether a closure, possibly temporary, would require they be returned.
The library asks that books be returned through the book drops.
Staff will empty the book drops during the next week, Library Sandy Leonard said. With 200 to 300 items checked out each day, with a maximum loan of 24 days, the library still has many books out.
“We hope it’s a short-term closure,” Martin said. “Given the options for funding, it may be longer.”
The available election date is in September, city Finance Director Pat Gray said. She believes the library could be funded for 2003-04 if a levy is passed then. It would also require a 50-percent turnout among registered voters.
“Obviously, we’re disappointed it didn’t pass,” Martin said. “Due to validation once again, we got good support in the yes votes but not enough voters decided to vote. Unfortunately, this one really was decided at the trash can and not the ballot box….
“It’s frustrating when you get the popular vote yet you’re measure doesn’t pass because of the 50-percent requirement, but that’s the rules we’re required to play under.”
He wanted to thank those who supported the effort to keep the library open.
The council was scheduled to discuss the library levy Tuesday night. The outcome of that discussion was unavailable at press time.
On May 31, the Friends of the Library will host a “thank you” reception for library supporters from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
It is a chance to say goodbye to the staff and library, Martin said. “Hopefully for just a short period of time.”