Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
Bad Time 4 Budget Cuts: Let MCPL Grow!
We, the undersigned, stand in solidarity with the Independence City Council and oppose the pending proposal to the Mid-Continent Public Library Board of Trustees to lower the Library levy. We urge the Board to support our libraries and the communities they serve by voting NO on this proposal.
From the City of Independence Resolution Bill No. 22-812:
“In 2016 voters overwhelmingly (62.3%) approved a levy increase to provide expanded access, new and renovated buildings, expanded collections, and increased services. Since then, the Library has added hours, most notably Sunday hours, added more e-content, renovated buildings, built replacement buildings, and has added an additional branch. One more branch, East Independence, and two other replacement buildings (Grain Valley and Riverside) are still to come. New services include notary services, new passport services, expanding Wi-Fi into the parking lots, checking out hotspots, laptops and wellness kits, along with virtual programming.
Despite this vital community service, a contingency of the Mid-Continent Public Library Board of Trustees is proposing lowering the Library levy by 2.28 cents for a total of 32.40 cents (current rate is 34.68 cents) which equates to approximately a $4.3 million reduction in revenue effective this fiscal year. Per state statutes, the lower levy, if approved, will be the maximum the Library could collect next year provided the amount is decreased again through state rollbacks or further Board decisions.
With the higher than anticipated increase in assessed values of used cars and real estate, the Library expects to see an increase in revenue. A reduction of the levy rate would eliminate that excess and require the Library to cut planned expenditures. At this time, what would be cut is unknown. What is known is cuts would need to be made immediately for this year with more cuts anticipated next year”.
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Updates
September 19, 2022
Seeing this level of support keeps me moving even when the exhaustion sets in. We have clearly hit a nerve with the board and this momentum proves that our libraries are not optional.
10 Comments
Our public libraries were established to provide safe havens of learning for all citizens. Our community's must increase the budgets to support open and transparent learning for all demographics within our society. We must grow and adapt to our future. Libraries desperately need funds to increase the technology spaces and enhance the inperson learning programs. This Pandemic taught us the vital lessons, That our children/Families desperately need in person activities!! Please hear our pleas and provide a budget that provides our communities with exceptional libraries and programs.
We need libraries for everyone. They are a public good. Do not lower the tax. The MCPL needs these funds. As members of the board, you are to protect the library and that includes protecting the library funds set aside for the good of everyone.
We need to support every one of our libraries here in this country. Stop the cutting of funds and the banning of books. No one has the right to decide for another human being.
Library services do NOT need to be cut!
Don’t mess with our libraries. Don’t defund them
I love our library and it is a vital part of the community. We need to support it!
Save our libraries!! Don't take hurt our communities for political or religious beliefs.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
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Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
Bad Time 4 Budget Cuts: Let MCPL Grow!
We, the undersigned, stand in solidarity with the Independence City Council and oppose the pending proposal to the Mid-Continent Public Library Board of Trustees to lower the Library levy. We urge the Board to support our libraries and the communities they serve by voting NO on this proposal.
From the City of Independence Resolution Bill No. 22-812:
“In 2016 voters overwhelmingly (62.3%) approved a levy increase to provide expanded access, new and renovated buildings, expanded collections, and increased services. Since then, the Library has added hours, most notably Sunday hours, added more e-content, renovated buildings, built replacement buildings, and has added an additional branch. One more branch, East Independence, and two other replacement buildings (Grain Valley and Riverside) are still to come. New services include notary services, new passport services, expanding Wi-Fi into the parking lots, checking out hotspots, laptops and wellness kits, along with virtual programming.
Despite this vital community service, a contingency of the Mid-Continent Public Library Board of Trustees is proposing lowering the Library levy by 2.28 cents for a total of 32.40 cents (current rate is 34.68 cents) which equates to approximately a $4.3 million reduction in revenue effective this fiscal year. Per state statutes, the lower levy, if approved, will be the maximum the Library could collect next year provided the amount is decreased again through state rollbacks or further Board decisions.
With the higher than anticipated increase in assessed values of used cars and real estate, the Library expects to see an increase in revenue. A reduction of the levy rate would eliminate that excess and require the Library to cut planned expenditures. At this time, what would be cut is unknown. What is known is cuts would need to be made immediately for this year with more cuts anticipated next year”.
Updates
September 19, 2022
Seeing this level of support keeps me moving even when the exhaustion sets in. We have clearly hit a nerve with the board and this momentum proves that our libraries are not optional.
10 Comments
My family loves our libraries. Please don't cut their budget! It's so important for education, communication and all the benefits we get from our local libraries. It's so important to our families an individuals who find vast materials to read and keep themselves informed and entertained. Save our Libraries!!!
Our public libraries were established to provide safe havens of learning for all citizens. Our community's must increase the budgets to support open and transparent learning for all demographics within our society. We must grow and adapt to our future. Libraries desperately need funds to increase the technology spaces and enhance the inperson learning programs. This Pandemic taught us the vital lessons, That our children/Families desperately need in person activities!! Please hear our pleas and provide a budget that provides our communities with exceptional libraries and programs.
We need libraries for everyone. They are a public good. Do not lower the tax. The MCPL needs these funds. As members of the board, you are to protect the library and that includes protecting the library funds set aside for the good of everyone.
We need to support every one of our libraries here in this country. Stop the cutting of funds and the banning of books. No one has the right to decide for another human being.
Library services do NOT need to be cut!
Don’t mess with our libraries. Don’t defund them
I love our library and it is a vital part of the community. We need to support it!
Save our libraries!! Don't take hurt our communities for political or religious beliefs.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
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My family loves our libraries. Please don't cut their budget! It's so important for education, communication and all the benefits we get from our local libraries. It's so important to our families an individuals who find vast materials to read and keep themselves informed and entertained. Save our Libraries!!!