Published: November 16, 2007 01:01 pm      

Library to seek tax increase

Effingham voters likely will decide in February whether to raise taxes to allow Helen Matthes Library to move into a larger facility and offer additional services to the community.

The Helen Matthes Library Board of Directors approved an ordinance Thursday to seek a a property tax increase of .12 percent per $100 equalized assessed valuation. The Effingham City Council is expected to approve a similar ordinance Tuesday. After the council gives its nod, the issue will be placed on the Feb. 5 primary ballot for final approval by Effingham voters.

Library and city officials have been working together to come up with a plan that would allow the library to expand its services and facility space and keep the library in a centralized location. As part of the plan, the library is selling property it owns near Evergreen Hollow Park to the city, where city officials plan to build the sports complex.

“We are negotiating with another entity for a potential site for the library,” said board President Jeff Weis.

Library Director Amanda Standerfer said that site also will be identified Tuesday at the council meeting. She added the site is in a centralized location, and the existing facility has enough space for the library to provide additional services that have been requested by community members through a 2006 survey.

The tax increase is needed to operate and provide additional services in the larger facility. If the referendum fails, the acquisition of a new site for the library would likely be stopped as well, said Standerfer.

Respondents to a survey conducted in 2006 indicated an increase in demand for programs, materials and public access to the Internet, but the library has added as much as it can in its current facility, said Standerfer.

According to Standerfer, the summer reading program this year hosted more than 750 children, circulation of materials is expected to top a record 100,000 items and Internet access sessions average nearly 2,000 per month.

“We’re busting at the seams,” said Standerfer. “The survey indicates the community wants more and statistics show we should and could be doing more. A bigger facility would allow us to provide what the community wants, but we need the funds to operate that larger facility.”

The increase the library is asking for is expected to bring in an additional $252,000 per year beginning in fiscal year 2010. Currently, the library nets about $315,000 per year.

If voters approve the referendum, Effingham residents who have a home valued at $150,000 would pay about $55.80 more in taxes per year. An owner of a $100,000 home would pay about $35.80 more per year.

In the past, library officials have discussed becoming a district instead of keeping its boundaries within the city. But Standerfer said the district will not be pursued at this time.

“It could be something in the long-range plan, but at this point we have enough on our plates right now and we are not looking at that,” she said.

Also Thursday, the board approved a contract with Apace Design of Peoria to conduct a feasibility study on the new facility for the library.

“Demand for library services is growing, but we are at capacity with out current facility and budget,” said Standerfer. “We need to pass a referendum in anticipation of operating a larger facility that will provide greater programs and services.”

Donna Riley-Gordon can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 129 or driley-gordon@effinghamdailynews.com.