Renewal of Library Operations Levy

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Baker County Library District will place a measure on the ballot for the May 19, 2026 election seeking voter approval to renew its 5-year Local Option Levy for Operations funding at the same rate of $0.249 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

The Local Option Levy generates about 30% of the funding resources BCLD needs for essential operational support of library services throughout Baker County, including:

  • Staffing and daily library operations
  • Maintenance of buildings and grounds
  • Collection development and materials
  • Early literacy programming and youth educational opportunities
  • Technology access and resources
  • Continued service of the Bookmobile and other district library locations
Renewal of the levy will allow the district to maintain the level of service residents rely on with no increase in tax rates.

Ballot Question

Shall Baker County Library District impose $0.249 per $1,000 of assessed value for general operations for five years beginning 2027–28?  This measure renews current local option taxes.

Measure Summary

This measure does not increase the current tax rate. It would renew the District’s existing local option levy, which will otherwise expire after the 2026–27 tax year.

If approved, the renewed levy would provide funding to support library operations and facility maintenance for five years, from 2027–28 through 2031–32.

Without renewal, Baker County Library District would need to make substantial reductions to services, operations, and staffing. Potential impacts could include:

  • Decreased library open hours
  • Fewer reading and learning programs for children and families, including story times, summer reading, and STEM activities
  • Reduced student support services
  • Smaller collections of books, audiobooks, movies, and digital resources
  • Limited upkeep or replacement of public computers, printers, and cybersecurity systems
  • Reduced funding for building repairs and capital maintenance, including replacement of aging mechanical, structural, architectural, and safety components

Additional information about the levy renewal measure, including the proposed revenue projections is available on the Publication of Notice from the Baker County Clerk. For more details about BCLD finances, visit the Budget page of the library website. 

For questions, please used the Comment Form to contact Library Director Perry Stokes.