TIMBERLAND REGIONAL LIBRARY DISTRICT - Regular Property Tax Levy Lid Lift for Library Services, Operations and Maintenance · Grays Harbor County

Labels are based on a detector's reading of the text and are not a claim about the author.

The statements in this pamphlet are printed exactly as submitted. No spelling, grammatical, or other corrections have been made.

Hide highlighting appears humanappears AI-editedappears AI

Statement For · Unnamed committee

statement appears human

Timberland Regional Library (TRL) has 29 library branches in five counties, plus the traveling Anywhere Library that visits places like community centers, churches and assisted living facilities. These branches operate as a community crossroads of knowledge and fun. Great children’s sections keep kids learning year-round. Teen Spaces provide safe places for studying, crafting and making friends. Free branch programs support job-hunters and retirees. Patrons can check out books, movies, games, nature backpacks, assistive devices and more. However, TRL is now at a crossroads of a different kind: one of funding and costs. About 96% of its revenue comes from a property tax levy that hasn’t increased in 25 years. The value of that income has dwindled, nibbled away by higher prices for materials, maintenance, salaries, even electricity. State law caps the amount libraries can collect on increasing property values at 1% annually until voters lift the lid. This measure would increase TRL’s levy from $0.22 to $0.35 per $1,000 of property value. This means taxes on a home valued at $333,733 would increase by about $3.58 per month or $43 per year. After a quarter-century, it’s a long overdue cost-of-living raise. With your help, TRL can restore hours and staffing. It can expand local book, ebook, music and movie collections, and add community programs that are the heart of any thriving local library. Please vote yes to lift the levy lid and bring library funding closer to today’s reality.

Rebuttal of argument against

Washington communities fund key services through property taxes, and libraries have endured a 25-year financial drought. Voting yes restores stable funding after decades of erosion. Libraries offer safe, welcoming “third spaces” outside home and work or school. They offer valuable programs for all ages, from families with small kids, to community college students and job-seekers, even seniors on fixed incomes. As costs rise, libraries remain an affordable source of knowledge, connection and enjoyment for everyone.

Statement Against · Unnamed committee

statement likely AI

A “No” vote on the Timberland Regional Library levy lid lift is a vote for fiscal responsibility, taxpayer accountability, and careful budgeting. Property owners throughout Washington have experienced rising tax bills due to increasing property values and voter-approved levies for schools, fire districts, parks, and other local governments. At a time when many families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses are struggling with higher costs for housing, groceries, insurance, and utilities, another property tax increase deserves scrutiny. Before asking taxpayers for additional revenue, the library should demonstrate that it has fully explored opportunities to reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, prioritize essential services, seek grants and private partnerships, and better manage existing resources. This is about priorities, and a property tax could put future investments in schools and emergency services at risk. Libraries provide important educational, cultural, and community services, but supporting libraries does not require supporting every request for higher taxes. Taxpayers have a reasonable expectation that existing dollars will be spent efficiently before additional burdens are placed on homeowners and businesses. A “No” vote encourages the library to focus on its core mission, evaluate programs and staffing levels, and identify long-term needs. Voting “No” is not a vote against libraries or literacy. It is a vote for responsible financial stewardship and accountability. Everyone’s budget is tight, voters must prioritize investments, and the library should first demonstrate prudent management of existing resources before asking voters to approve higher property taxes, especially when households are already facing significant financial pressures.

Rebuttal of argument for

Libraries matter, but raising property taxes without accountability is wrong. I’m urging a “No” vote because taxpayers should not shoulder higher property taxes without transparency and accountability. Many services provided by libraries are delivered through nonprofits and community organizations more efficiently and effectively. Responsible budgeting and oversight are necessary to ensure taxpayer dollars benefit the community without waste, mismanagement, or unnecessary duplication of services and resources. Vote “No”.