Statement For · Blaine Golden
statement likely humanCommittee: Blaine Golden
We face a critical decision about the future of the Whitman County Rural Library District. The district serves 14 Whitman County communities, with each branch reflecting its town’s unique character, history, and culture. For many, the library is more than a place to borrow books. It is the only free, welcoming public space where people can gather to learn, connect, attend programs, and build community. In 2025, the district hosted 2,264 programs and circulated 57,173 physical items, in addition to thousands of digital resources. The district benefits all county residents, not just frequent library visitors. District libraries are community anchors that drive downtown activity, expand access to free wireless internet, and improve residential and commercial property values. Libraries strengthen Whitman County’s workforce with technology access, resume assistance, and digital skills training. Library programs reduce crime by engaging youth outside of school. In short, strong libraries contribute to strong, stable, and informed communities. This proposition requests to increase the library district’s property tax rate from $0.39 to $0.45 of $1,000 of assessed property value. While state and federal library funding is unpredictable and may come with requirements that do not reflect our communities’ values, this is a local tax. The library district is governed by a resident board, with public meetings and published budgets, agendas, and minutes. Local taxation preserves local control. Establishing this rate allows the district to maintain a balanced budget and keep revenue aligned with the cost of providing library services. Please Vote “YES” for Proposition 1.