EDITOR’S NOTE: This the latest in a series of weekly columns by Dorr Township Library Board President Rachel Vote explaining the Aug. 6 special election millage proposal.

by Rachel Vote

Ten years ago, Jason Aldean released “Big Green Tractor” and Miley Cyrus invited us to “Party in the U.S.A.” We lost Patrick Swayze, Farrah Fawcett and Bea Arthur a decade ago. Although ten years sounds like a long time, it goes by in the blink of an eye.

The library is asking voters to approve a millage for ten years.  Tthough this seems like a long time, it will keep the library financially stable for a decade. Being able to financially plan for the future is essential to any well run organization. 

The best way to be able to plan is to know what income the library will have at its disposal.  Looking at trend data, the library’s budget has increased over the past couple years while significant sources of funding have decreased. The library’s payroll budget has increased in the past two years by $12,000 due to the minimum wage increase and payroll tax increase.

The library’s technology budget has increased $4,000 over the past two years due to increased costs in maintaining our infrastructure, replacing outdated hardware, and keeping the network secure. These increases will not disappear.  Keeping up with evolving technology is a constant struggle. In order to cover these costs, the library has pulled money from the rainy day fund to keep our budget balanced. 

While costs of basic operations continue to rise, the influx of penal fines has decreased. Over the past two years, the library has received $4,000 less in penal fines annually compared to previous years. Grant funding also decreased $3,000 over the past year for some of the library’s current programs. The Dorr Library has cut funding to purchasing materials, including books, DVDs, Audiobooks and Makerspace Kits. 

The Dorr Library Board and director examine the current and previous budgets regularly to make sure current funding is being used appropriately and wisely. The current budget can be found here.

The community was extremely supportive with donations to the current summer reading program. Many local businesses and individuals donated money and items, which allowed more programming and materials to be offered. This year’s summer reading programs have been the most well attended in the past five years!

Everyone’s generosity is much appreciated, but the library cannot plan future programs by relying on donations.  

The current library millage was approved by voters ten years ago. Since then, the library has slowly but surely grown and developed popular programs, added a litany of materials, and increased technology offerings and services. Unfortunately, the current amount of funding is not enough due to rising costs of operation.     

Approving a library millage for ten years will allow the Dorr Township Library to continue to offer services, materials, and programs that meet the needs of our community. Dorr Township has experienced significant growth over the past ten years, and will continue to grow.

Vote yes on the library millage on Tuesday, Aug. 6, and allow the library to continue to grow with the community. If you have any questions or would like more information on the millage request, the library is hosting an informational Town Hall meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, at the township offices.