Will you chip in to support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation today?
Yes, I want to support My MLTnews!
Snohomish and Island County voters are being asked to consider a property tax levy proposed by Sno-Isle Libraries that will appear on the Aug. 4 primary election ballot. Proposition 1 would restore the library system’s regular property tax levy to 47 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, replacing the expiring levy approved in 2018.
The measure would reset the levy rate from its current rate of 30.4 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.
Supporters say the levy is needed to maintain and expand Sno-Isle Libraries’ services, including children’s literacy programs, technology access, community spaces, bookmobile services, job training resources and updated book and media collections. They argue the measure restores a voter-approved levy that provides more than 90% of the library district’s funding and will help maintain staffing, hours, safety and building maintenance.
The cost for a typical homeowner would be about $7 to $10 per month, with exemptions available for eligible seniors and people with disabilities, Proposition 1 supporters said.
Snohomish resident Clark Vellema wrote the argument against the measure in the Snohomish County Official Voters Pamphlet. He says Proposition 1 represents a significant increase in library taxes and argues that Sno-Isle Libraries should reduce spending rather than ask taxpayers for more money. He also questions whether library services and budgets should continue growing faster than inflation, citing that the County’s inflation index rose 39% during the last eight years compared to Sno-Isle Libraries’ 66% increase.
“Perhaps it’s time to revisit what services need [to] be provided in this era of Google, YouTube, and AI,” he wrote.” Should Sno-Isle be the go-to source of entertainment media like movies? Should every library card be entitled to as many as 3,600 free printed pages a year? Perhaps Sno-Isle should reexamine its priorities.”
Sno-Isle Libraries spokesperson Susan Hempstead told My Neighborhood News Group that Sno-Isle has invested in increasing its book collection because residents value free access to books, eBooks and audiobooks.
“We invest in a responsive collection that reflects community interests and demand, ensuring customers can easily find popular titles as well as resources that support learning, work and personal enrichment,” she said. “Whether it’s on a shelf, on your phone or we borrow it for you from another library, your options are limitless. Our community is committed to lifelong literacy, and we are supporting our community of readers.”
Hempstead added that the demand for printing services has increased because of population growth, fewer households owning printers and continued community needs for documents, such as permits, legal paperwork, school materials and business forms.
“At our Darrington Library, demand from local businesses was so high that we installed a second public printer to meet community needs,” she said. “The library also provides printing support for students, homeschoolers and small businesses. In some cases, staff assist residents during urgent situations, such as printing important documents after a death.”
Hempstead said it is “normal” for library districts in Washington state to return to voters every seven to 10 years to restore the library levy to keep up with rising costs.
“In 2018, Sno-Isle Libraries projected the library levy would support services for seven years,” she said. “The Library District has exceeded the life of the current levy and kept our commitment to voters by maintaining the current levy despite rising costs and a greater demand for its services.”
Prior to 2018, voters approved a library levy in 2009, she added.
“Sno-Isle takes a very large bite from Snohomish County Property Taxes,” Vellema wrote. “The home page of the Assessor’s office shows the Library receiving nearly as much (81%) as the Roads receive.”
If the library levy fails, Hempstead said that Sno-Isle Libraries will reduce staffing and library open hours, decrease the budget for both print books and digital materials, which could mean longer wait times.
“[It would also] reduce early learning and literacy programs like Storytimes and Bookmobile visits; limit access to computers, laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, and printing; and delay technology updates and building maintenance,” she said.
Sno-Isle Libraries has a webpage with information about the measure here.
You can also read the full Pro and Con arguments for Proposition 1 here.
Real first and last names — as well as city of residence — are required for all commenters.
This is so we can verify your identity before approving your comment.
By commenting here you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct. Please read our code at the bottom of this page before commenting.