Rules committee backs resolution urging Akron voters to approve library capital levy

Rules committee members voted to forward a resolution urging Akron voters to approve Issue 18, a capital levy for the Akron Summit County Public Library, and suspended the rules to expedite the matter ahead of the May election.

The measure, introduced by Councilman Bolden, is written as a resolution “urging the citizens of Akron to vote yes on Issue 18,” and the committee declared an emergency to move the item quickly. Committee members spoke in favor of the levy during the meeting and the committee gave a favorable report after a suspension-of-rules vote.

Councilman Bolden, who sponsored the resolution, said the library’s last capital levy was in 1997 and described the system’s current needs: “They provide services for people who do not have access to internet, who need to fill out job applications, who need to research things,” and he noted that some patrons use library spaces to work outside the home. He said many library buildings are over 20 years old and “roofs need to be replaced” and other systems “need to be brought up to speed.”

Councilwoman Conner urged support by noting the relative cost of the levy compared with buying books: “The average price of a hardback book is about $30 which is not much less than what this levy is that would give you access to thousands and thousands of books,” she said, and added that the library is “one of the few places that anybody can go to that doesn't cost any money to come in and use their services.”

Councilman Lombardo described personal and family use of the library, saying the facilities and resources have been “very, resourceful for us as a family.” Councilwoman Namibian said she had already voted in favor of the levy and expressed support for keeping the library “current and vibrant.”

On procedure, the committee moved to suspend the rules and issue a favorable report so the resolution could be transmitted promptly; a second was recorded and the committee chair announced the motion carried with all members voting aye. The chair said, “We will get that out tonight.”

The meeting also approved previous minutes before taking up the library resolution. The resolution’s text declares an emergency to expedite consideration; the levy amount, the specific ballot language, and the exact election date in May were not specified in the committee discussion.

The committee that considered the resolution was the Akron City Council Rules Committee; members listed at the start of the meeting were Mckitrick, Fusco, Amobian, Connor and Davis, with Clerk Viviano assisting. The resolution will proceed from the rules committee as a favorable report for further action by the full council or for placement on the May ballot as provided by city election procedures.