News - Local News

POSTED: Sunday, Jun. 14, 2009

Whatcom County Library System board could ask voters for more tax dollars

The board of trustees will decide Tuesday, June 16, whether to ask voters for more property tax dollars for the Whatcom County Library System.

Library trustees will consider the proposal for a "levy lid lift" at their monthly meeting, happening at the Sumas Public Library. If they put it on the ballot for the Nov. 3 general election, only voters who pay taxes to the Rural Library District - basically all of the county except Bellingham - will decide the measure's fate.

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

Officials have said they need the additional money to keep up with expenses for the Whatcom County Library System, which is comprised of nine branches in unincorporated parts of the county and its cities as well as the Bookmobile. Cuts already have been made in staffing, training, technology upgrades and in the elimination of a bookmobile stop.

If voters don't approve a lift, new cuts will be in place beginning Jan. 1.

Currently, those residing in the Rural Library District pay nearly 34 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, or $82.50 for the owner of a home assessed at $250,000.

At the existing rate, the Whatcom County Library System will receive a little more than $5.4 million in property tax revenue this year through the Rural Library District. The levy provides 95 percent of the system's annual funding.

The board could ask voters in the taxing district to pay an extra 10 cents per $1,000, which would cost that homeowner an additional $25 a year.

The library system last asked for a levy lid lift in May 1980. Voters approved that measure.

A great deal of effort already has been put into the request that trustees will consider next week, library officials said.

That included focus group meetings in 14 locations in August. And there were 12 community meetings on the library budget held in various locations in the county in April and May.

A citizens advisory committee and surveyed library users also have recommended that the measure go before voters.

"There has been a solid and thorough public process," said Joan Airoldi, director of Whatcom County Library System.

Airoldi also acknowledged that some who showed up at community meetings noted that "these are incredibly difficult times for people and that no one wants to see taxes raised."

IF YOU GO

What: The Board of Trustees will decide whether to place a levy lid lift for the Whatcom County Library System on the Nov. 3 ballot.

When: At the board's regularly monthly meeting, which is 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 16.

Where: Sumas Public Library, 451 2nd St.