Whatcom County Library tax hike widens lead

KIE RELYEA - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

E-Mail

Print Reprint

Text Size:

tool goes here

A property tax increase to maintain services in the Whatcom County Library System had widened its margin of approval Thursday, Nov. 5.

It was passing with 51 percent of the 25,388 votes counted so far. The measure was ahead by 518 votes.

Thousands of ballots remain to be counted, and it was unknown how many of those would include the proposition.

The measure, if approved, would raise property taxes about 10 cents per $1,000 assessed value, to a new rate of 44 cents. Only those living in the library district - basically everyone outside of Bellingham - could vote on the measure, which needs a simple majority to pass.

If approved, it would mean an additional $25.50 a year for the owner of a home assessed at $250,000.