Hampshire County libraries seek five‑year levy for May ballot to sustain operations

Steve Moreland, chairman of the Hampshire County Public Library trustees, told the commission the boards want permission to place a five‑year excess levy on the May primary ballot to fund both county libraries at the $220,632 total the boards requested in 2020. "These are funds that are just critical to the continued operations of the libraries," Moreland said.

Nancy Mead, library director at Capon Bridge, and the Capon Bridge director (who identified herself as the branch director) described tight operating budgets and rising costs. "We do not get enough money from the library commission and the Hampshire County Commission to run our library," the director said, describing a 2025 operating budget of about $101,000 for Capon Bridge and noting heavy dependence on donations and fundraisers.

Commissioners asked the library boards to analyze whether the same dollar total from 10 years ago remains appropriate and to propose a sustainable levy rate that they think would pass. Commissioner Mance said he supported the concept but asked the boards to "analyze as much as you can what a rate that you think you could sustain" and return with a recommended rate. Commissioners agreed the clerk and auditor should review the levy language and figures and that the boards should appear at the Jan. 5, 2026 meeting to finalize the ballot documents.

Why it matters: The libraries said they face growing capital and maintenance needs—including elevator and ceiling repairs in Romney—and that static levy amounts have eroded purchasing power. Commissioners emphasized public outreach to increase voter awareness before a May election.

Next steps: Commissioners indicated broad support for placing a levy election on the May primary ballot but said they must approve the final ballot document after the libraries and the auditor confirm levy rates and service‑area allocations. The item will return to the commission in January for formal approval.