Library to ask voters for a levy lift

The Orcas Island Library will submit a levy lift to local voters later this year, either in September or November.

But the intent will be to preserve the “status quo,” library Trustee George Garrels said, with the amount likely to be as little as one mill, or one penny per $1,000 assessed valuation. Its purpose is solely to protect the library from the possible ravages of Initiative 864 which, if approved by voters statewide, will cut the library’s budget by more than $111,000, or 25 percent, if local voters reject the levy lift. Many other tax districts in San Juan County find themselves in the same predicament, but the library is the first to take matters into its own hands.

The trustees voted 4-0 March 16 for the levy lift after Library Director Victoria Parker spelled out the potential impact to the library if Initiative 864 is approved, and the library fails to act.

It would likely include severe cuts in staffing and programs, charging for services, and dipping into several of the library’s contingency funds. Specifically, she said, as many as two full-time equivalent paid staff members would likely have to be let go, although this could be accomplished by cutting everyone’s hours somewhat. It would also mean no expansion of the collection.

Parker said she would hate to see the library charge for services. “I believe basic services should be available for everyone,” she said, noting that the library could make up at least some of the lost revenue by charging for such free services as use of the meeting room, inter-library loan, pre-school story time, late fees, and Internet access. “We could be like an Internet cafe,” she said.

As for funds established by prior donors, including those of the Friends of the Orcas Island Library, some money could be used to pay for basic services. Not all, however. Many of the funds have been specifically designated for expansion of the facility, Parker said, even though this won’t be considered for several years at the earliest.

By pursuing the above-mentioned avenues, “We could live with these cuts for a year,” Parker admitted. After that, however, many of the private sources of funding would be depleted, and the problems would get even worse.

The Trustees hope that the library won’t be faced with these dire choices. Trustees President Bob Henigson said, “We need to publicize this information so people are aware of what passage of Initiative 864 means.” Garrels admitted he was “afraid people will look at this (the initiative) and not look at the consequences.”

Parker proposed undertaking a campaign on behalf of a levy lift. The board agreed, and work will begin as early as next week.

The library will also ask county Prosecuting Attorney Randy Gaylord to draw up the appropriate language to get the levy lift on the ballot.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.