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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend April 20, 2006 Library tax projections questioned County analysis startles commissioners By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune Jackson County commissioners expressed serious reservations Wednesday about a proposed property tax that could boost the library system’s budget to $124 million in 20 years. The commissioners were alarmed at information provided in a county analysis of the library system’s proposal to increase property taxes by $1.18 for every $1,000 of assessed valuation. "I would not be supportive of putting it on the ballot as it exists," said Commissioner Jack Walker. The rate is "way too much and we have to bring it down," said Commissioner Dave Gilmour. The library system over the next 20 years would build up its reserves to $80 million and would then generate $38 million in taxes annually, according to the county budget scenario. The current budget is $8.6 million. Advertisement Gilmour said he believes the library officials must answer many questions raised about its proposal. "There is only so much we can ask taxpayers," he said. Walt Fitzgerald, a Sams Valley resident, estimated that he would pay more than $500 annually in new property taxes under the library proposal. "I like libraries, too, but I’m not going to die for them," he said. Library Services Director Ronnie Budge said she appreciated the county’s concerns about the proposal, which she said likely will be changed before a potential vote in November. "I think that’s a fair statement that they have serious reservations," she said. "I think we’ve got a long ways to go before we decide on what the tax rate should be." Administrators of the system’s 15 libraries want to create a special district that would be independent of the county, which faces a potential budget crisis in 2007 if federal timber revenues are not renewed. Without a new funding source, the libraries could close — even as a voter-approved $38.9 million bond project to remodel or replace all branches nears its completion. The proposed $1.18 property tax hike would allow libraries to increase their hours of operation by at least 40 percent, from 477 combined hours to 668. (An earlier report listed the wrong number of current hours.) The rate also would allow libraries to increase their book budget by 50 percent and augment reader and information services to children, teens and adults. The estimated revenue in the first year (2007-08) would total $13.35 million, according to library services. Budge said any business or organization needs to have some cash reserves of about 10 to 15 percent of the budget to pay for unexpected problems. She said she believes the $80 million reserve after 20 years estimated in the county report was too high. The county’s analysis also calculated the budget impact if the library collected 72 cents for every $1,000 of assessed valuation. If the library provided current levels of service, it would face a shortfall of $2.5 million after 20 years. A third scenario envisioned a library system that would collect $1.03 for every $1,000 of assessed valuation, but provide a higher level of service. After 20 years, the library would face a $2.9 million shortfall. Commissioner C.W. Smith said the county wants the library system to be successful but he believes that $1.18 per $1,000 of assessed valuation is more than many property owners can bear. Whatever the final cost turns out to be, he said, "It’s my opinion that I would like to see the people make a decision on what they want from their library system." Budge said more work needs to be done to come up with a tax rate that would have broader appeal. "In the end we need to come up with a number that everybody believes in," she said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail Library tax projections questioned ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Send Flowers California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Email Security Advertisement s Advertisement