EUGENE, Ore. — Supporters of the Eugene Public Library are launching a campaign to encourage voters to approve a proposed increase to the city’s library tax levy, saying the additional funding is necessary to maintain services and expand programs.
The Eugene Public Library Foundation kicked off its campaign Thursday ahead of a May ballot measure that would raise the levy from 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value to 19 cents.
If approved, the increase would cost the average homeowner about $54 per year, or roughly $4.50 per month.
Supporters say the added funding would help cover staffing needs and expand literacy programs, while continuing to provide about 23% of the library system’s total budget. The proposed adjustment would mark the first increase to the levy rate in 20 years.
“I know times are tight and that is not negligible to increase,” supporter Dana Fleming said. “The value that libraries give our community and the money folks save by using libraries cuts down on the cost of subscription services. You can get books, DVDs, online streaming — all those things for free with your library card.”
Eugene first established a five-year levy to fund its libraries in 2015, with the original levy dating back to 2000. Voters will decide on the proposed increase in the upcoming election.
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