Local library seeks levy for
operating expenses in April election
March 11, 2020
Sheila Carlo Harris
The Barry-Lawrence Regional Library is asking for a 7 cent property tax operating levy increase on this year’s April 7th ballot. If passed, the increase would be the first since 1989. In spite of its passage in 1989, that increase was later revoked by Missouri’s Hancock Amendment, which limits the amount of personal property taxes which can be levied for public services.
“We are currently operating on the same budget we used in 1973,” library director Gina Milburn said. “Our current tax cap is at 15 percent, a number which hasn’t allowed for inflation. On this budget, we’re unable to provide the services we once did. We’ve had to cut business hours and don’t have funds for the necessary maintenance on our facilities, including roof repair and periodic paint and carpet replacement.”
Milburn explained that the tax levy will solely be used for operational purposes and is separate from the building levies they’ve approached voters with in the past.
“Without passage of the increased operating levy,” Milburn continued, “we’ll be forced to continue cutting business hours and limiting our purchases of new materials and the number of community programs we can offer.”
Milburn indicated possible closures of smaller facilities could also become necessary.
With the passage of a levy increase, the library will expand business hours and improve and renovate all nine of their facilities, which include Aurora, Eagle Rock, Mt. Vernon, Monett, Cassville, Marionville, Miller, Pierce City and Shell Knob. They will also purchase new materials, including e-books and audio/video materials, which are in huge demand. Developing and expanding community programs is also a goal.
“The additional 7-cent tax will bring the library’s operating cap, via the property tax levy, up to 22 percent, an amount which will be collected in the first year, and afterward be subject to the state’s decision, based on the economy,” Milburn explained.
“In solid terms, the tax levy increase will amount to about $15.50 in the first year for a person who owns a $100,000 home and a $15,000 vehicle. Think of it as the price of a meal at McDonald’s for two people. $15 is far less than the price of a new hardback book. If you check out only two books at the library in a year, you will have already profited from the tax increase,” Milburn continued.
For more information about the tax levy and services provided by the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library system, visit www.blrlibrary.com. Voters are also invited to attend townhall meetings at the following locations: Marionville, March 16 at 6 p.m; Aurora, March 19 at 6:30 p.m.; and Monett, March 26 at 6 p.m.
Sheila Carlo Harris
The Barry-Lawrence Regional Library is asking for a 7 cent property tax operating levy increase on this year’s April 7th ballot. If passed, the increase would be the first since 1989. In spite of its passage in 1989, that increase was later revoked by Missouri’s Hancock Amendment, which limits the amount of personal property taxes which can be levied for public services.
“We are currently operating on the same budget we used in 1973,” library director Gina Milburn said. “Our current tax cap is at 15 percent, a number which hasn’t allowed for inflation. On this budget, we’re unable to provide the services we once did. We’ve had to cut business hours and don’t have funds for the necessary maintenance on our facilities, including roof repair and periodic paint and carpet replacement.”
Milburn explained that the tax levy will solely be used for operational purposes and is separate from the building levies they’ve approached voters with in the past.
“Without passage of the increased operating levy,” Milburn continued, “we’ll be forced to continue cutting business hours and limiting our purchases of new materials and the number of community programs we can offer.”
Milburn indicated possible closures of smaller facilities could also become necessary.
With the passage of a levy increase, the library will expand business hours and improve and renovate all nine of their facilities, which include Aurora, Eagle Rock, Mt. Vernon, Monett, Cassville, Marionville, Miller, Pierce City and Shell Knob. They will also purchase new materials, including e-books and audio/video materials, which are in huge demand. Developing and expanding community programs is also a goal.
“The additional 7-cent tax will bring the library’s operating cap, via the property tax levy, up to 22 percent, an amount which will be collected in the first year, and afterward be subject to the state’s decision, based on the economy,” Milburn explained.
“In solid terms, the tax levy increase will amount to about $15.50 in the first year for a person who owns a $100,000 home and a $15,000 vehicle. Think of it as the price of a meal at McDonald’s for two people. $15 is far less than the price of a new hardback book. If you check out only two books at the library in a year, you will have already profited from the tax increase,” Milburn continued.
For more information about the tax levy and services provided by the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library system, visit www.blrlibrary.com. Voters are also invited to attend townhall meetings at the following locations: Marionville, March 16 at 6 p.m; Aurora, March 19 at 6:30 p.m.; and Monett, March 26 at 6 p.m.