February Special Election

Do you remember how much you made in 2009? Probably a lot less than what you make now. That's the same for our library. The library's paycheck from taxpayers is mostly based on property valuations in 2009. Yes, the library gets a cost of living increase, but it's limited to 1%.; not even close to keeping up with inflation.

That's why the library is asking for a raise.  But the library can't ask for a raise like we can as employees.....it has to ask the voters for a levy lid lift.

The library‘s funding comes almost entirely from property taxes. Due to a 2001 state law, the amount received by local entities (fire district, schools, libraries, etc.) can only increase by 1% per year - even if property values increase at a higher rate it doesn't mean the library's budget increases that same amount.  This limit, the levy lid, means that as total property valuation increases the levy rate actually decreases.  So each year the library's budget increases only 1% (plus new construction and any corrections) despite an individual taxpayer's property taxes increasing more than that.  The end result is that the library's paycheck has an even harder time keeping pace with increasing costs.

What does that mean to you? The library is asking for a raise which translates to an increase in your property taxes. Using a home valued at $300,000, the levy lid lift would increase the annual existing amount by $34.76.

Read more about levies, our library, economic return of libraries, and what you can do to help  below.

❤️ your library - Please vote Yes for ACL