Would this levy be a new tax, or is it a renewal of a tax that already exists?

No. This is not a new tax. The levy is an existing tax that has been reduced over time, and this proposal would restore a portion of that funding. While the statutory maximum levy tax rate is .05%, which equals $0.50 for every $1,000 of assessed property value, we are asking for $0.45, or .045%, restoring the levy without using the full amount available.

What is the current levy rate, and why has it changed over time?

The current library levy rate is $0.396 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. Levy rates go down over time as property values increase because the levy amount is spread across a larger tax base. At the same time, just like everything else, the cost of running the library continues to go up over time.

How are Libraries Funded in Washington State?

You might be surprised to learn that public libraries in Washington are mostly paid for by their local communities – not the state. For Whitman County Library, our largest source of funding is local property taxes.

How does the Federal Government Support Libraries?

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is a federal agency that helps support libraries through funding, grants, research, and professional training. Most of IMLS’s funds are used to support state library agencies. In our case, IMLS supports the WA State Library.

How does WA State Library Support Public Libraries?

The Washington State Library does not fund local library operations. It offers grants that libraries can apply for to support specific programs and services. For example, this grant was recently reinstated, and we’re happy to share that our library was awarded funding. But these grants are not guaranteed and depend on available funding.

Keeping Local Dollars Local

Local funding means local control. WCL is governed and operated locally, and the State Library does not have direct authority over our day-to-day operations or local funding decisions. This means the community can make decisions about its library based on local needs and priorities.
Your money goes toward the everyday things that keep the library open and available to the community. The figures below are estimates and may vary, but they give you an idea of how your support makes a difference.

What Makes a Library Possible in a Whitman County Community?

It comes down to community support and local partnerships. Towns that have a physical library typically partner with the library to provide a place for it to operate. When a town and library work together, it makes having a physical library in the community possible.

Where does my library property tax money go?

Your money goes toward the everyday things that keep the library open and available to the community. The figures below are estimates and may vary, but they give you an idea of how your support makes a difference.

• Staff 59%
• Benefits 15%
• Programs & Technology 9%
• Operations 8%
• Collection 4%
• Insurance 3%
• Loan Repayments 2%

What is a Levy Lid?

We all know that the cost of just about everything has gone up by far more than 1% over the past few years. A Levy Lid limits how much property tax revenue a taxing district can collect each year. While our statutory maximum tax rate is .05%, state law generally limits our levy revenue to a 1% increase each year. In simple terms: our costs keep going up, but our revenue is limited to 1% growth. Over time, that creates a growing gap that puts pressure on the services our community depends on.

Why is WCL Asking Voters for a Levy Lid Lift?

Our costs continue to rise faster than our revenue, and we are now facing a budget deficit. Without additional revenue, we will have to make difficult choices about spending and the services we can continue to provide. This is not about increasing taxes simply because we want more funding. It is about addressing a growing deficit and ensuring we have the resources necessary to continue providing the services our community depends on.

What is WCL Asking Voters For?

We are not asking for the full .05% maximum levy rate. We are asking voters to approve a 0.45% levy rate and allow us to keep that rate steady for the next 10 years. This gives the library more predictable funding and helps us plan for the future without having to repeatedly return to voters for approval.

Why 10 Years?

Levy elections are costly for both the district and the community. A 10-year levy lid lift gives the library stability and predictability so we can plan ahead, manage our budget responsibly, and continue providing services without asking voters to approve another levy lid lift every few years.

What will this cost me?

The cost depends on your home’s assessed value. Here are some examples based on the current and proposed rates:

Assessed Home Value	Current Rate	Proposed Rate	Difference
$100,000	$39.80	$45.00	$5.20
$200,000	$79.60	$90.00	$10.40
$300,000	$119.40	$135.00	$15.60
$400,000	$159.20	$180.00	$20.80
$500,000	$199.00	$225.00	$26.00

These are estimated annual amounts. Your actual tax impact will depend on your property’s assessed value.

Who can vote on this ballot measure?

Registered voters who live within the Whitman County Rural Library District are eligible to vote on the levy. This includes registered voters living in unincorporated areas of Whitman County and in the towns of Albion, Colfax, Endicott, Farmington, Garfield, LaCrosse, Lamont, Malden, Oakesdale, Palouse, St. John, and Tekoa. Residents living within the city limits of Colton, Rosalia, and Uniontown will not vote on the levy because these cities contract with the library for service and are not part of the library district. Pullman residents are served by Neill Public Library and are unaffected by this measure.

You May Be Eligible for a Property Tax Exemption

If you are a senior or a person with a disability, you may qualify for a Washington State property tax exemption or reduction.

Eligibility depends on factors such as income and other requirements. For more information visit: https://www.whitmancounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6421/PTExemption_Senior

What will the Levy Lid Lift Pay For?

Our first priority will be to stop the bleed. We will close our current budget gap and get the library back on solid financial footing. We will continue to pursue grants and other outside funding for programs and special projects, just as we have always done. Our focus is on maintaining the library we have, keeping our services strong, and making sure we can operate responsibly for the long term.

What Happens if the Levy Lid Lift Doesn’t Pass?

If the levy lid lift doesn’t pass, the need doesn’t go away. The library will still have to cover staffing, building costs, technology, materials, and the services our community relies on. Without the additional revenue, we’ll have to make difficult choices about what we can sustain, potentially reducing hours, programs, services, or other investments.

We Understand the Impact

We understand that asking for an increase in property taxes is something people will need to consider carefully. Everyone’s financial situation is different, and we respect that. Our goal is to provide clear information about the library’s financial situation, what the proposed levy would fund, and what it could mean for taxpayers so that each voter can make the decision that is right for them.

Have More Questions About the Levy Lid Lift?

Join us at one of our upcoming Library Levy Community Conversations throughout Whitman County to learn more, ask questions, and have an open conversation about what this investment means for our community and the future of our library.

Thank you

Thank you for being part of our library community. We are grateful to be a part of yours.