Hudson Library Board seeks 2.9‑mill renewal plus 0.6‑mill increase, changes voting rules for May 2026

Basil Masnap, president of the Hudson Library and Historical Society board, told City Council on Sept. 9 that the board intends to seek a 2.9‑mill renewal plus a 0.6‑mill increase in a May 2026 ballot measure to sustain library operations amid declining state support.

Masnap said two‑thirds of the library’s operating budget has historically come from the local levy, with the remaining third from the Ohio Public Library Fund (PLF). He told council the PLF has been reduced and moved to a fixed line‑item in the state budget, exposing local libraries to projected cuts of roughly 5–10% in Summit County. The board estimates the proposed 2.9 + 0.6 mil package would generate about $3.7 million per year and calculated the homeowner impact as approximately $84.44 per $100,000 of home value.

The library also reported changes to its bylaws to expand the voting process: in addition to an in‑person annual meeting election, the board will allow a roughly three‑week early voting period while the library is open and will expand eligibility to all registered Hudson voters (adopting the term 'electors' consistent with charter review language). Masnap said those procedural changes are intended to broaden participation and to align the board with anticipated charter revisions.

Council asked clarifying questions about timing and constituency—Masnap explained the library prefers the May 2026 ballot (with the option to run again in November if a May attempt fails) because the current levy expires in early 2027. Council indicated staff will prepare a corrected resolution for the upcoming legislative agenda to reflect the requested millage increase; the library will return for the first reading the following week.

No formal vote occurred at the workshop; library leaders will appear for first reading and staff will prepare corrected agenda materials.