Grant County voters approved creating a new tax district for the public library with 58 percent of the vote, keeping the library open. Unofficial results indicate turnout slightly above 51 percent, higher than the statewide turnout of 32 percent. Homeowners will pay a permanent tax rate up to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, which equals about $150 per year for a $300,000 home. After the tax district forms, the library will no longer be run by county government and will be governed by a five-member board elected by residents. Stable funding is expected to allow more operating hours and restore youth programs, community outreach, and a bookmobile. The measure followed a proposed county budget elimination tied to an $88 million deficit, prompting public hearings, community organizing, and the Save Our Library Committee.
"With 58 percent of the vote, Grant County voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved creating a new tax district for their public library, ensuring the library will stay open. Although ballots are still being counted and results are unofficial, it's clear that voter turnout was high: At slightly more than 51 percent, voter turnout in the rural and remote county is much higher than the statewide turnout, which was at 32 percent Wednesday morning."
"Grant County homeowners will be taxed a permanent rate of up to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. For a home worth $300,000, that equates to $150 per year. With the formation of a tax district, the Grant County Library will no longer be operated by county government. It will be governed by a five-member board of directors, who will be elected by Grant County residents in future elections."
"With the tax district generating stable, dedicated funding for the library, advocates hope the library will be able to be open more hours and that programs cut in the past will be reinstated, including youth programs, community outreach, and a bookmobile. Motivation to create the tax district was sparked last summer, when the Grant County Court (the equivalent of a county commission) announced it would eliminate funding for the public library from its county budget, due to a massive $88 million budget deficit, which would have forced the library to close this summer."
"Grant County residents rallied. Hundreds attended two public hearings and with near unanimity, urged the Grant County Court not to close the library. Practically overnight, a group formed the Save Our Library Committee, which began meeting weekly to find ways to keep the library open, eventually leading to the tax district measure."
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