Neutral and nonpartisan. This explainer says what Issue 8 does. It does not tell you how to vote. Ballot language and costs come from the official Lucas County Board of Elections sample ballot. Statements from the library are attributed to it.
What you will see on the ballot
"An additional tax for the benefit of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library for the purpose of current expenses."
In plain language
Issue 8 is a new 3-mill property tax for the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. "Current expenses" means day-to-day operating costs. It lasts 5 years. It is countywide, so every Lucas County voter sees it.
What it costs you
The county auditor's estimate is $105 a year for every $100,000 of your home's market value.
- $75,000 home: about $79 a year (about $7 a month)
- $100,000 home: $105 a year (about $9 a month)
- $150,000 home: about $158 a year (about $13 a month)
- $200,000 home: $210 a year (about $18 a month)
The county auditor estimates it would raise about $34.3 million a year for the library.
How it relates to the current library levy
The library says:
- Its current 3.7-mill levy expires at the end of 2027.
- The new levy has a lower millage (3.0 vs. 3.7) but would cost a homeowner $12.42 more per year per $100,000 than the current one.
- A change in state funding cost it nearly $2 million, and the new levy would restore lost service hours.
Why a lower millage can cost more: under Ohio law, an older levy is collected at a reduced effective rate as property values rise, so it raises the same dollars it did when voters approved it. A new levy starts at its full rate.
If it passes / if it fails
- If it passes: the tax is first collected in 2027 and runs for 5 years.
- If it fails: the new tax is not collected. The library says its current levy runs through the end of 2027.
Key facts
- New tax, countywide.
- 3 mills, 5 years, first collected in 2027.
- Needs a majority yes vote to pass.
Verified October 4, 2026.