Libraries in Bowling Green and Walbridge as well as the bookmobile will be closed Aug. 9-16 because of cuts in the state budget, the board of trustees of the Wood County District Public Library has announced.

The board said the planned closing will help the district save $17,000 as it prepares to close a projected $65,000 shortfall for the remainder of the year.

Elaine Paulette, library director, said the board will meet Aug. 26 to discuss additional measures that may be needed in response to the lower funding levels “…while at the same time striving to continue to offer our community the best service and resources within our means.”

While 2009 has been a difficult year, she said, “…indications are that 2010 will be just as tough, perhaps more so.”

The state’s budget cut library funding by about 11 percent – a smaller decrease than in Gov. Ted Strickland’s proposal, which would have cut funding by about 30 percent.

Libraries were already grappling with a cut of about 20 percent in state funding this year, Paulette said, adding “difficult and painful decisions lay ahead for the district system.”

In Ottawa County, state funding cuts will also affect the business hours at the Harris-Elmore and Genoa libraries.

Beginning Aug. 8, the libraries will be closed Saturdays. Normal hours will resume Sept. 12.

Valuation updates
Tentative updates of property values in Ottawa County have been approved by the state, Jo Ellen Regal, county auditor, said last week.

She said her staff will begin adding the value of any new construction such as garages, rooms, or remodeling projects undertaken in 2008 to the property values.

When the additions are complete, the auditor will announce dates for informal hearings, giving property owners a chance to discuss any concerns they have over the new valuations.

Property owners will be notified by mail of the new values and the hearing schedule.

Owners with questions may call the auditor’s office, (419) 734-6740.

Elections board to meet
The Ottawa County Board of Elections will be in special session Aug. 4 to conduct the election in the Woodmore School District where voters will decide a 5.9-mill, 5-year emergency levy.

If passed, the levy will generate approximately $829,000 annually.

The school board has decided to not seek renewal of a 4.9-mill issue that is scheduled to expire at the end of this year.

The board of elections office is located at 8444 W. State Route 163, Oak Harbor.

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