Webster Groves Library District Proposition L
Simple majority required.Ballot wording: Shall the City of Webster Groves Municipal Library District increase its tax levy by $0.12 per $100 of assessed valuation to operate, maintain, and improve the library building and grounds; strengthen programs and services for all ages; fund general library operations and staffing, and ensure the library's long-term financial viability? If this proposition is approved, the total levy of the Library per $100 of assessed valuation is estimated to be $0.215 for residential property, $0.227 for commercial property and $0.300 for personal property.Summary: The measure would allow the library property tax rate to increase by 12 cents per $100 assessed valuation. If passed, the owner of a $400,000 home would pay an additional $91.20 in taxes per year. Property taxes provide 90% of the library's funding and this would be the first library tax increase since 2009. The current library tax partially expires in 2029. Proponents say the library recently spent $500,000 to replace the HVAC system in its 75-year-old building and faces other capital repairs that will further deplete the reserves. Operational costs for books, materials, technology, staffing, utilities, etc. have risen significantly, officials say.
