On March 23, Sno-Isle Libraries Board of Trustees adopted a resolution authorizing the Library District to place a ballot measure before voters in August to restore the library levy rate to $0.47 per $1,000 of assessed property value within the Library District.
In 2018, voters approved a rate of $0.47 per $1,000 of assessed property value to support the Library District’s services. The current levy rate is $0.3039084203 per $1,000 of assessed value.
“The 2018 library levy is at the end of its life. Through careful stewardship, the Trustees have used public funds responsibly and extended the levy as long as possible. If we did not advance this ballot measure, our Library District would look very different. After careful consideration, the Board has decided to ask voters to determine the future of their library services,” said Board of Trustee President Jennifer DePrey.
A levy is a voter-approved property tax that helps fund civic infrastructure like schools, libraries, or fire stations. Voters deciding whether to restore the library levy is a normal part of long-term public funding. The levy funding makes up 91% of Sno-Isle Libraries operating budget.
State law limits the Library District’s annual property tax revenue growth to 1% a year. In 2018, Library Leadership projected the library levy would support services for seven years. The Library District has exceeded its commitment to voters by maintaining the current levy despite rising costs and a greater demand for its services.
This August 4th, voters will decide whether to restore the library levy to its previous rate. It’s an important decision that will help shape the future of Sno-Isle Libraries.
Residents served by Sno-Isle Libraries can learn more at sno-isle.org/levy.