The Indiana legislature is currently considering Senate Bill 1, a property tax reform measure that poses a serious threat to public libraries and all taxing units across the state. The Pulaski County Public Library Board of Trustees strongly opposes this bill, as it could drastically reduce library funding, jeopardizing the essential services provided to residents of all ages.
Public libraries rely almost entirely on property and income taxes for funding. Any reduction to this structure would weaken libraries’ ability to serve their communities, impacting everything from book collections and technology access to children’s literacy programs and workforce development resources.
Libraries are one of the best investments taxpayers can make. With one of the lowest tax rates among government entities, public libraries provide an incredible return on investment, offering free education and enrichment opportunities that benefit all ages.
Unlike other local government units, libraries are restricted in how much they can save for emergencies—they can retain no more than 150% of their annual operating budget and cannot levy capital improvement funds.
Additionally, local property tax abatements have already burdened libraries. While other government entities have received payment in lieu of taxes for solar abatements, libraries have been unfairly excluded, further straining their resources.
Beyond the challenges posed by SB 1, the elimination of federal support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), coupled with other state-level funding setbacks – including a 30% budget cut to the Indiana State Library and the loss of state funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – creates significant obstacles for public libraries to sustain their current level of services.
The Pulaski County Public Library Board urges residents to speak up now. Contact your state senator and representative and tell them why libraries are important to you and how libraries make your life better. Not sure who your legislators are? Find out here: https://iga.in.gov/information/find-legislators
Your support can make a difference – help protect Indiana’s libraries for future generations!
– Pulaski County Public Library Board of Trustees
Richard H. Mynark, President
Carol Jo Gumz, Vice President
Lynette Wilder, Secretary
Judy Heater, Treasurer
Nancy Allman, Member
Teresa Bryant, Member
Sandy Lucas, Member