Henderson County Public Library board takes compensating tax rate for 2025–26

The Henderson County Public Library board on Aug. 26 accepted a property tax rate certification for 2025/26, choosing the compensating rate as computed by the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives. Shannon Sandefur, executive director, presented the certification and reported that in the prior fiscal year the library circulated more than 25,232 items, held 1,061 programs that drew 48,792 participants, and saw more than 23,755 uses of its computers and Wi-Fi. Magistrate Berry moved to accept the library's tax rates; Magistrate Starks seconded, and a voice vote carried with all voting in favor. Why it matters: the library's rate decision determines the property-tax levy that will support library operations for the coming year and reflects usage and program demand reported by library leadership. Details: Sandefur told the court the library board voted to adopt the compensating rate, a figure computed by the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives to maintain current revenues after appraisal changes. The library provided program and usage totals for the prior year as part of its presentation to the court. Ending: The court recorded the library's certification and approved the library's acceptance of the rate.