- October 5, 2026
Dear Editor:
By this time next year, our Ormond Beach Library could have reduced staff, fewer open hours, and reduced resources resulting in fewer programs for all ages, fewer books, less technology access and educational support... and it will only get worse.
The Friends of the Ormond Beach Library is sounding the alarm on Amendment 3, and asks you to vote No.
What is Amendment 3? On Nov. 3, Florida voters will decide on Amendment 3, a constitutional amendment that would significantly raise the homestead property tax exemption, lower the cap on how much non-homestead property assessments can rise each year, and limit how local governments can use tax funds. It needs 60% voter approval to pass.
Why is Amendment 3 a problem? What sounds like tax relief quickly reveals a half-baked core. There's no plan to replace the revenue it takes away. It means local government loses its power to govern, left instead to the whims of Tallahassee. It's a tax shift, not a tax cut. And it means a major, permanent cut to the local property tax revenue that funds public services, including libraries.
The bottom line: Our library system gets about 98% of its budget from this dedicated property tax revenue. This isn't a marginal risk; it is existential to the library’s future.
Amendment 3 will eliminate an estimated 30% of the Volusia County Public Library operations budget in the first two years alone, resulting in possible:
How Amendment 3 will negatively affect essential county services: Property tax revenue funds other essential county services that residents rely on every day. If Amendment 3 passes, you can also expect:
Here’s what you can do right now… together with Friends and Foundations representing libraries across the state of Florida and EveryLibrary, we have come together to create keeplibrariesfunded.org and are asking library supporters to Vote No on Amendment 3 on Nov. 3!
Friends of the Ormond Beach Library Board of Directors
Editor's note: This letter was submitted by Jane Finchum, president of the Friends of the Ormond Beach Library.
Dear Editor,
Although the property tax relief promised by Amendment 3 sounds appealing, it is only one side of the story. We need to understand the other side, the effects of the reduction of billions of dollars in tax revenue that would result from its passage, before we vote.
This reduction in revenue would put essential and quality of life services on the line. First responders, parks, infrastructure projects, public health systems, and libraries would all be affected. Since the state has produced no credible plan to replace the lost revenue, where would the money come from? The choices would be to reduce services or impose new or higher fees and taxes to make up the shortfall.
We deserve responsible governance that provides full and honest disclosure. Instead, we are being given slogans and wording that appeal to the hot button marked "lower taxes." But at what cost? Should we have to do without services that make our communities safe and enjoyable? Or, pay for them in other ways that would negate any tax savings? This would not be a tax cut; it would be a tax shift.
I urge all who cherish our communities and way of life to vote NO on Amendment 3.
Thank you.
Ann Fench
Ormond Beach
Dear Editor:
For many of us the library is our happy place. In recent years, the library has evolved into more of a community center where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can interact, form relationships, pursue academic interests, learn a new skill, and, of course, find a good book.
Amendment 3, however, poses a risk to our libraries because it will cut the library operating budget by 30%. In light of such a cut, there is the possibility that library branches will close, library jobs will be eliminated, and we may lose funding for collections, resulting in fewer new books, e-books, video games, and DVDs. Budget cuts could affect programs and services like public computers, WiFi, one-on-one tech help, job seeker support, meeting rooms, and, also, children's programs. Did you know that this past summer, our libraries were the gateway to providing 13,000 children with breakfasts and lunches, meals that they might otherwise have missed? This year alone a new reading decodables system for children was checked out over 400 times. We cannot afford to lose our library services.
Aside from the libraries, other essential county services may be affected, resulting in longer response times for police, fire and emergency services, among others. Amendment 3 would cost local governments to lose their power to govern, ceding it to Tallahassee's whims.
Library lovers are urging all those who support those libraries to vote NO on Amendment 3.
Catherine M. Trusiak
Ormond Beach
What are your thoughts on Amendment 3? Send letters up to 400 words to [email protected].
