Press Release

Geauga County Public Library would like to extend its sincere gratitude to our Geauga County Commissioners — Carolyn Brakey, Esq., James W. Dvorak, and Ralph Spidalieri – unanimously chose not to implement the “piggyback” property tax exemption provision in House Bill 96.

If the “piggyback” exemption was left unchanged, Geauga County Public Library would have faced the following effects:

– More than $178,000 in lost revenue

– Immediate reductions to systemwide services

– A direct impact on programming, materials, outreach, and long-term planning

While House Bill 96 was framed as local property tax relief, this particular provision would have shifted even more of the burden onto our communities over time, either through earlier and larger library levies or further reductions in services.

County commissioners showed real foresight and restraint by looking beyond a short-term “quick fix” and recognizing the long-term consequences of this provision for libraries, schools, townships, and other county-funded services. Their decision reflects a clear understanding that unfunded local tax exemptions, without state reimbursement, ultimately tax our communities more, not less. Geauga County Public Library is deeply thankful to Commissioners Brakey, Dvorak, and Spidalieri, for their leadership, thoughtful review of the data, and commitment to protecting the stability of local services in Geauga County.

Thank you, again, for your ongoing support of the Geauga County Public Library and for your partnership in protecting the future of our community.^