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Library Funding Decision To Come In The Next Two Months

Libraries across the state are keeping a close eye on the Court of Appeals in Elizabethtown, as the outcome of a case there could slash funding for about a hundred locations.

The libraries have been in limbo for more than a year now, awaiting a court decision on which state law should be used to set their taxing rates. If unsuccessful, libraries originally created by petition could see their funding cut by up to 80 percent.

Julie Maruskin, director of the Clark County Public Library, told WUKY in 2013 that her location would be whittled down to more basic services.

"We are one of a handful of 20 libraries that could still function," she said. "It would not be pretty. We would see layoffs, the closing of days, severe trims in electronic services."

Lawmakers in Frankfort attempted to clarify the law through the legislative process earlier this year, but the effort died in the Republican-controlled Senate.

A three-judge panel heard the case this morning and will issue a ruling in the next two months. In a separate decision last year, the court ruled that the libraries in question could continue using the tax rates set in 2012 until the case is resolved.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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