Whatcom County Library System

2.       What will the proposed levy do to my taxes?
The measure on the November ballot would increase property taxes by 10 cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation, which will cost the owner of a $250,000 home approximately $25 per year.  See the Proposed Levy chart.

3.       How long would additional funds from a levy lid lift support library services?
Depending on continued budget reductions and efficiencies and without knowing the rate of inflation and other factors beyond local control, the estimate is that the library may maintain current library services for four to five years.  During that time, Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) will continue to evaluate costs and prioritize services based on community feedback and demand for library services.  

4.      What will WCLS do if the levy lid lift is not approved by voters?
The library will prepare an alternative budget that would take effect in January 2010 if the levy lid lift is not approved by voters.  Since a significant amount of library system funding is spent on staff and keeping libraries open, that alternate budget will impact many services and staff and will require charging increased fees for some services.  The alternate budget will include:  

• Reduced hours of operation and reduced staff 
• Currently vacant staff positions may be eliminated
• Mandatory furloughs for management staff
• Reduction in hours of work for other staff
• Salaries and benefits negotiations with the Bargaining Unit  
• Increases in library fines and fees

Public input is welcome at any time using our feedback form or by calling (360) 384-3150.

5.       When would a budget shortfall affect public services?
Two budgets will be written for 2010; one with a levy lid lift and one without.  If the proposed levy lid lift is not approved by voters, library services will be reduced on January 1, 2010 to balance the library budget.

6.       When was the last WCLS levy election?
The voters last approved increasing the library levy 29 years ago.

7.       How did WCLS involve the community in this decision to place this measure on the ballot? 
In its search for solutions to rising costs and increasing demand, WCLS held public meetings, convened a Citizen’s Advisory Committee, conducted focus groups, and distributed surveys to find out what community members want the library to do about its budget shortfall and ongoing funding issues.  In October 2008, after studying the WCLS budget and assessing survey and focus group input, the five member Citizen’s Advisory Committee unanimously recommended that the Library Board agree to support a levy lid lift election. The Focus groups were asked to rank library service.  In 2009, surveys provided feedback on priorities.

8.       Can’t the library system raise funds another way?
Yes, and it does through fines, fees, and grants. However approximately 92.5% of the library’s operating revenue comes from property taxes which is limited to 1% growth each year.  The 1% increase does not allow the library to maintain current services.  The library also receives new construction funds which are declining. 

9.       What about charging a fee to get a library card?
That would be charging for services that have already been paid for by taxes.  Charging a fee for library services from a “free public library supported in whole or in part with money derived from taxation” (RCW 27.12.270) is not allowed by Washington State law.

10.   How does WCLS pay for library branch buildings?
Local library buildings are provided by their communities.  The buildings are owned and maintained by cities, other taxing districts, and Friends of the Library groups.  WCLS owns its headquarters building.

Technology Access:
94 computers available for public use
Wireless access at all branch locations
24 hour access to wcls.org, our virtual branch library, with ResumeMaker, Consumer Reports, downloadable audiobooks, and access to the library’s catalog to place holds, renews books, and more.