Property tax hike for libraries passes

KIE RELYEA - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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Voters living in the Rural Library District have agreed to increase their property taxes to support the Whatcom County Library System.

A proposed library tax levy was passing with 51.2 percent of the 32,220 ballots counted for the race as of Friday, Nov. 6. The proposition was well ahead, widening its lead to 806 votes.

While the county Auditor's Office still has ballots to count, it's unlikely that results will change.

The measure will raise property taxes about 10 cents per $1,000 assessed value, to a new rate of 44 cents. Only those living in the Rural Library District - basically everyone outside of Bellingham - could vote on the measure, which needed only a simple majority to pass.

"We're extremely happy that the people of Whatcom County want to maintain their library services," said Joan Airoldi, director of the Whatcom County Library System.

"Whatcom County is clearly a county of readers and lifelong learners that truly value their libraries," Airoldi said.

Property owners in the district will pay an additional $25.50 a year for the owner of a home assessed at $250,000, and $30.60 for a home assessed at $300,000.

Currently, residents of the district pay 33.8 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, or $84.50 for the owner of a home assessed at $250,000.

The request had to go before the public because Initiative 747 limits property tax collection increases to 1 percent per year unless voters approve more.

Whatcom County Library System officials have said they need the additional money to keep up with expenses and inflation, maintain services, and plan out services and budgeting for the next five years, based on what library users have said they want.

Without the additional money, hours the branches are open would have been reduced by 47 hours a week, and staffing levels would have been cut.

The measure is expected to bring in an additional $1.6 million next year, based on this year's assessed value of property in the district.