Survey: Majority of voters support library tax levy

The district commissioned Opinion Research Specialists LLC to conduct the 14-question telephone survey Oct. 11–19.

Of those surveyed, 57 percent said they would support the levy, 39 percent said they would oppose the levy, and 4 percent said they were unsure, according to a library district news release.

The property tax increase would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $7.50 per year. The tax would expire after 10 years.

Seven projects would be funded by the levy:

• 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 U.S. 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 existing facility.

All past library capital projects have been paid for through operating funds, according to the release. The operating tax levy for the library district currently is 24.14 cents per $100 valuation of property; the average property owner pays $50 annually to support the district.

The district’s next step will be to organize focus groups and conduct additional surveys before the Jan. 29 filing deadline for the April election, according to the release.[[In-content Ad]]