Stayton council approves 5-year library levy for ballot after 4-1 vote

The Stayton City Council voted 4-1 to place a five-year local option levy to fund the city library on the May special election ballot. The resolution (No. 25-006) would levy a tax rate of 56¢ per $1,000 of assessed value beginning in fiscal year 2026–27.

The nut graf: Councilors and library staff framed the request as an effort to maintain current services on a tight budget; dissenting councilors asked for a deeper review of cuts and for clearer messaging about additional levies planned for parks and the pool.

Library Director Jenna told council the library operates on a “bare bones” budget and has already reduced staffing and services in prior years. She said staff and volunteers have maintained programming by relying on private donations and partnerships, but rising costs make additional funding necessary. In the meeting, staff presented the ballot title language and an explanatory statement to be prepared for the voters pamphlet.

A point of contention in council discussion centered on the financial impact. Staff and councilors used different figures while explaining the change: one staff presentation stated an annual difference of "$141.12 per year" for the stated assessment example; staff also described the increase as an additional "$3.36 per month from an average homeowner." Councilor Bauer asked for a cuts package to be considered before asking voters for higher taxes. Several councilors said the explanatory statement and voters pamphlet could include context that additional levies for parks and the pool were still under review.

Votes at a glance • Resolution 25-006 — Place five-year local option levy (56¢/$1,000 assessed value) on May special election ballot. Outcome: Passed 4–1 (Yes: Councilors Sims, Carrey, Patty, Ort; No: Councilor Bauer).

The council directed staff to file the ballot title and prepare a 500-word explanatory statement for the voters pamphlet; staff said it can return to council for additional review of the explanatory text if desired. Council also discussed timing and turnout differences between May and November ballots and confirmed public outreach will accompany the measure.

Ending: With the motion passed, staff will file measure language with the county and begin voters-pamphlet preparations and outreach work in the coming weeks.