Facing higher costs and operating deficit, Whatcom library seeks tax hike
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Library asks voters to approve levy hike to close $1M deficit and sustain operations
- Restored rate would lift annual tax by $96 for average $600K home in county
- Without approval, the library system may cut hours, staff and new material purchases
Voters outside Bellingham are being asked to approve a property tax increase on the Aug. 5 ballot for the Whatcom County Library System, which seeks to raise funds amid growing demand for services and higher costs for salaries, building maintenance, and books and digital materials.
An operating deficit of more than $1 million is expected next year without the levy, library officials said in statements explaining the ballot measure.
Library officials are seeking to raise the effective property tax rate from its current 26 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation to 42 cents, a level that voters approved in a 2009 levy when library officials last asked for a tax increase.
Because more properties were added to the tax rolls and the value of real estate has risen since 2009, the effective current tax rate is 26 cents. That’s why library officials are asking voters to “restore” the 2009 levy rate of 42 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
If the measure is approved, it would cost the owner of the average $600,000 Whatcom County home about $252 every year, an increase of $96 annually. The owner of a $400,000 house would pay $168, or about $64 more.
About the library
Whatcom County libraries aren’t part of any government agency. The library system is its own taxing district and is governed by an independent board. Its 2025 budget is $14.2 million.
Whatcom County libraries serve all areas outside the city of Bellingham with 10 branches, a “library express” location, a bookmobile and digital services. Under a special agreement, patrons with a Whatcom County Library System card can borrow books from the Bellingham Public Library.
Only Whatcom County residents who live outside the city of Bellingham can vote on the issue. It requires a simple majority to pass. Ballots were mailed July 16 and must be postmarked by 8 p.m. Aug. 5 or placed in a special drop box by that time.
Christine Perkins, executive director of the library system, explained the need for a tax increase in a video on the library’s website.
“If the levy proposition passes, the Whatcom County Library System will be able to maintain current hours and services without changes. We could continue to support a robust collection of current and relevant library materials — including physical and digital items — with reasonable wait times and online/streaming resources. And we could protect our community investment by addressing deferred maintenance and facilities needs. And finally, we could create seed money for library building projects,” Perkins said.
Operating costs have increased to the point where expenses now exceed revenues. If the levy rate is not restored, the library will be forced to reduce buying new materials and cut staff and services, including operating hours, Perkins said.
Services offered
In 2024, more than 59,000 library patrons borrowed 2.1 million library items, according to the Whatcom County Library System.
Whatcom County libraries offer outreach programs and community events. Books can be delivered to care centers, assisted living facilities, the jail, and home-bound patrons. Digital materials include music, movies, language lessons and newspaper and magazine databases. Library facilities can be used for community meetings and the library hosts events such as storytimes, author appearances, game nights and literacy programs.
A group called Yes! Whatcom Libraries Levy Lid Lift 2025 had raised $46,407 in support of the measure through July 14, according to filings with the state Public Disclosure Commission.
Pride outreach criticized
In a ballot statement against the tax increase, opponents Craig Booth, Janice Dykstra and Jon Dykstra criticized the library’s support of Pride Month, along with its purchase and display of materials that include LGBTQIA+ themes.
“In the opening chapters of Genesis we learn that God made us male and female (Gen. 1:27) and sex is intended for marriage (Gen. 2:24). Our library system actively opposes these truths, and wants more money to do so,” the opponents wrote. “God knows best what’s best for us, but if you’ve seen the library’s Pride Month displays, you’ve seen that those in charge think they know better.”
Opponents have reported no fundraising data to the state Public Disclosure Commission.
Library tax supporters Katrina Buckman, Keith Alesse and Tammy LaPlante wrote a ballot statement that said public libraries serve a wide range of community members who have varied beliefs.
“We love that our libraries are for everyone. They are vital to the values of our republic. Parents, not libraries, get to choose what their children read. With a collection of over 600,000 titles, you may not love everything, but you will find much that supports your values,” supporters said.
A complaint was filed in May with the Public Disclosure Commission against library supporters by Conner Edwards of Tacoma, who claimed the group missed a campaign finance reporting deadline. No decision has been announced.
Edwards, a Republican Party activist, has filed more than 800 complaints with the Public Disclosure Commission and overwhelmed its investigators, according to The Seattle Times.
