Submitted by the Lopez Library.

The Board of Trustees for the Lopez Island Library District has voted to place a levy lid lift measure on the Aug. 5 ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would restore the library’s regular property tax levy rate to $0.48 per $1,000 of assessed property value — the same rate Lopez voters approved in 2019.

This adjustment would help the library keep up with rising costs and continue providing the programs, collections and services that Lopez residents rely on. Without additional revenue, the library faces reductions in services, deferred building maintenance and potential cuts to programs used by residents of all ages.

“The library has a long history as a place where the community gathers, learns, and connects,” said Library Director Darren Hoerner. “We’ve managed our finances carefully, but with rising costs and ongoing funding uncertainty at the federal and state levels, we now need to restore the levy rate to continue delivering the services our community depends on.”

The Lopez Island Library is primarily funded through a local property tax levy, which provides around 90% of its budget. State law only allows the library to increase this amount by 1% per year unless voters approve a different rate. This means the library’s budget can not keep pace with inflation or increased demand for services.

Additionally, the library recently completed a Facilities Condition Assessment that identified over $2 million in maintenance needs of the historic building — from a leaking roof and outdated electrical and lighting systems to parking lot repairs and failing windows.

A restored levy lid rate of $0.48 per $1,000 of assessed property value will ensure adequate financial support for day-to-day operations, programs, books and materials, and building upkeep.

If the proposition is approved, the restored levy rate would mean an increase of about $9 per month for the owner of a $600,000 property.

A YES vote would help maintain current library hours, staff, collections and programs, while also supporting the upkeep of the historic library building.

A NO vote could lead to reduced hours, fewer materials, limited programs and postponed building maintenance.

More information and answers to frequently asked questions at https://lopezlibrary.org/about-the-levy/.

For questions, please contact Hoerner at darren@lopezlibrary.org, 360-468-2265.