Grove City Council endorses 1‑mill levy to support Southwest Public Libraries

Grove City Council on the evening of its March meeting endorsed Resolution CR0826, expressing the council's support for a proposed 1‑mill property tax levy to benefit the Southwest Public Libraries. The measure, if approved by voters, would fund current library expenses and restore hours, programs and technology the system lost amid long‑flat state funding.

Misty Clark, who identified herself as a Grove City resident and the speakers bureau and endorsement coordinator for the committee supporting the levy, told council that the libraries are “far more than shelves of books,” noting daily visitation and community use of library meeting spaces. “Libraries today are far more than shelves of books,” Clark said, adding the levy would help restore services and programs for children, adults and seniors.

Meredith Wickham, director of Southwest Public Libraries, answered council questions about the levy language and estimated cost. Wickham said the county auditor's estimate shows the levy would be about $35 per $100,000 of county auditor market value for 10 years, with first collections due in calendar year 2027 — roughly “a little less than $3 a month per $100,000,” she said. Wickham also emphasized she was speaking only to provide factual information and not to advocate politically on behalf of the library.

After the public testimony and council questions, a council member moved that the resolution be approved and the motion was seconded. The council voted in favor of the endorsement by roll call; the record shows unanimous support. Chair Holt stressed that the council's action was an endorsement and that the levy would still appear on the May 5 ballot for voter approval.

Why it matters: The Southwest Public Libraries have operated without additional local funding for about 15 years and, according to testimony, state funding has remained roughly at historical levels for decades while community needs and operating costs have risen. The levy would provide revenue to restore hours, programming and technology services that library staff said have been curtailed due to limited funding.

The measure will appear on the May 5 ballot; the council's vote was an expression of support but does not place the measure on the ballot or guarantee voter approval.