Red Feather Lakes Community Library update for Oct. 2014

As you’re likely aware, Red Feather Mountain Library District is proposing an increase in the mill levy rate that will be voted on this fall by residents and property owners who are registered to vote in Colorado, or who are eligible to register as a Colorado voter.

By Creed Kidd,
Library Director

This increase is intended by the district to meet current expenses, improve services and replenish financial reserves. The later purpose is especially important for sustaining the long-term financial stability of the library and in reducing the need in returning in the foreseeable future for additional increases. Through good planning and wise stewardship the current level of funding — established in 2000 with the founding of the Library District — expected to last at best 10 years, has been stretched to 15. Needless to say, both the cost of doing business and public expectation of level of service has increased in that span.

The current tax rate is 2.5 mills, equating roughly as $20 per $100,000 of assessed residential property. That is proposed to increase by 2.25 mills to 4.75 mills, or, to approximately $38/$100,000 annually.

As a resident or property owner you will receive in the next few weeks a blue book and mail-in ballot on this proposal. The former will provide information, pro and con in making an informed decision. The latter allows you to make your choice. Ballots can be mailed in with the included envelope or dropped off at the library in a locked ballot box through Nov. 4.

If you are currently not registered to vote you can do so online at https://www.registerincolorado.org/ at the DMV, or we can assist at the library. Common questions regarding Colorado voting can be found at http://bit.ly/1wD5YG5 . We urge you to vote.

As with any initiative there are positives and negatives. The negative is relatively simple: it will cost you more money, noted above. The positive is that through your use of the library your return on tax dollar investment can be considerable through the borrowing of library materials, use of library facilities for computer and Internet services, online services as e-books, or by utilizing a range of library programs from the summer reading program through Halloween Trunk-or-Treat.

If the proposal is successful you’ll directly see improved services — we’re proposing through our current 3-year strategic planning process — expanded hours, expanded popular reading, listening and viewing selections and a greater online selection of materials. We’re considering the best, cost-effective methods of taking library services to you — minimizing that “driving 10 miles to checkout or return a book” issue.

If the proposal is unsuccessful we’ll continue, as we’ve always done, to provide the best library service that we’re able to do.

It’s your library and your choice.