Tax levies on Tuesday’s ballot
May 27, 2020
A Barry-County Regional Library tax levy increase will appear on the June 2 ballot for voter approval.
Sheila Harris
The Barry-Lawrence Regional Library is asking voters to approve a 7-cent tax levy increase on the June 2 ballot.
“The tax levy, if passed, will be used solely for operational purposes,” library director, Gina Milburn, explained. “It’s separate from the building levies we’ve approached voters with in the past.”
According to Milburn, the library system is operating on the same budget they used in 1973, with a cap of 15 percent, a number that hasn’t allowed for inflation. Long before COVID-19-related shutdowns, the libraries within the Barry-Lawrence system were forced to cut hours and limit purchases of new materials, as well as the number of programs offered. The library in Purdy was closed altogether.
Milburn fears that more severe cuts may be in the offing without additional revenue for much-needed repairs on most of their nine remaining branches, including Aurora, Eagle Rock, Mt. Vernon, Monett, Cassville, Marionville, Miller, Pierce City and Shell Knob.
With additional revenue, roof and floor-covering repairs can be addressed, and new lending material can be purchased, 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,” Milburn added. “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.”
Also on the ballot, eight area school districts have contested seats on the their school boards, including Exeter and Southwest.
The names of Gary Stringer, Stacy Hall, Joseph Still and Kelly Lee will appear on the ballot for Exeter.
Southwest’s contest will feature Doug Henry, Terry Meek, Ruth “Doke” Henderson and Diana Roller.
The names of 12 road districts seeking approval for the retention of an added tax levy will also appear, along with contested spots on the road commissions of the Mineral, Flat Creek and Capp’s Creek districts.
Vying for the positon of North Ward Alderman for the City of Exeter are Gus Robbins and Tasha McNabb.
Seligman offers a contest between Brenda Jermain and Robert Lovstad for West Ward Alderman.
The Barry-Lawrence Regional Library is asking voters to approve a 7-cent tax levy increase on the June 2 ballot.
“The tax levy, if passed, will be used solely for operational purposes,” library director, Gina Milburn, explained. “It’s separate from the building levies we’ve approached voters with in the past.”
According to Milburn, the library system is operating on the same budget they used in 1973, with a cap of 15 percent, a number that hasn’t allowed for inflation. Long before COVID-19-related shutdowns, the libraries within the Barry-Lawrence system were forced to cut hours and limit purchases of new materials, as well as the number of programs offered. The library in Purdy was closed altogether.
Milburn fears that more severe cuts may be in the offing without additional revenue for much-needed repairs on most of their nine remaining branches, including Aurora, Eagle Rock, Mt. Vernon, Monett, Cassville, Marionville, Miller, Pierce City and Shell Knob.
With additional revenue, roof and floor-covering repairs can be addressed, and new lending material can be purchased, 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,” Milburn added. “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.”
Also on the ballot, eight area school districts have contested seats on the their school boards, including Exeter and Southwest.
The names of Gary Stringer, Stacy Hall, Joseph Still and Kelly Lee will appear on the ballot for Exeter.
Southwest’s contest will feature Doug Henry, Terry Meek, Ruth “Doke” Henderson and Diana Roller.
The names of 12 road districts seeking approval for the retention of an added tax levy will also appear, along with contested spots on the road commissions of the Mineral, Flat Creek and Capp’s Creek districts.
Vying for the positon of North Ward Alderman for the City of Exeter are Gus Robbins and Tasha McNabb.
Seligman offers a contest between Brenda Jermain and Robert Lovstad for West Ward Alderman.
