Library gauges support of proposed tax increase

The district on Thursday began conducting a 14-question telephone survey that will run through Oct. 19, according to a library news release. Local firm Opinion Specialists Inc. LLC is conducting the survey.

The proposed initiative would increase property taxes on a $100,000 home by $7.50 per year, according to the release. The sunset tax for construction and renovation would expire after 10 years.

The increased tax would fund seven library projects:

• Major repairs and renovations to the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library;

• Relocation of the Ash Grove Branch Library to a larger facility;

• Relocation of the Fair Grove Branch Library to a larger facility;

• A new library facility to be located on Blackman Road, east of Highway 65;

• Construction of a new library branch in Republic;

• Construction of a new library branch in Willard; and

• Relocation of the Brentwood Branch Library to the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks on South Glenstone Avenue, one block west of the present facility.

If the library receives a favorable response through the survey, the tax increase could be on the April ballot.

Currently, a Greene County property owner pays an average of $50 each year to support the district’s eight library branches and bookmobile, according to the release.