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Library supporters hopeful of turnout By anita burke Sep 18, 2007 12:00 AM A A As of Monday afternoon, 47 percent of Ashland's registered voters had turned in a ballot on a proposal to raise money to extend library hours and services. State law requires that 50 percent of registered voters cast ballots and a majority vote yes to pass a tax measure during a nongeneral election. Library supporters are optimistic they will meet the turnout threshold. "Our aim is to get as many people to weigh in on this as want to," said Pam Vavra, co-chairwoman of the Committee to Open Ashland Library. She said the group will make phone calls reminding people to vote right up until the last minute. "We appreciate that Ashland has always supported its libraries and schools, but we have no guarantee that this will pass," Vavra said. The city of Ashland is asking voters to approve the local-option property tax levy for the library. The measure listed on the ballot authorizes the city to collect 58 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for two years starting July 1, 2007, to reopen the Ashland library. However, after Jackson County agreed to open all branches, the city decided to collect 20 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for the rest of this fiscal year and 25 cents the second year. The money raised would boost operations at the Ashland library to 40 hours a week from the 24 proposed by Jackson County, retain outreach services to Head Start and senior centers, and offer living wages for workers, city officials said. Voters in Phoenix are being asked to repeal a $20-a-month surcharge on city water bills to pay for police, fire protection and public works. The measure is a referendum sent to the ballot by residents opposing the fee. Ballots must be dropped off by 8 p.m. today. Drop sites include Jackson County Elections, 1101 W. Main St., Medford; Ashland Library, 410 Siskiyou Blvd., by the book drop on the alley off Gresham Street; and Phoenix City Hall, 112 W. 2nd St., Phoenix. Reach reporter Anita Burke at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected].