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Kitsap Regional Library board reviews draft levy lid lift to raise rate from 27¢ to 39¢
Summary
Trustees reviewed a draft resolution in March 2025 to place a levy lid lift on the ballot that would raise the library’s rate from 27¢ to 39¢; the item was a first reading, legal edits were noted, and staff will return with final language for a vote next month.
The Kitsap Regional Library board reviewed a draft resolution in March 2025 asking voters to approve a levy lid lift that, as written in the draft, would raise the library’s current rate “from 27¢, which we're currently at, to 39¢,” said Jeannie Allen, director of strategy and communications. The board did not vote on the measure and staff said the resolution will return for final action at the next board meeting after additional review.
The draft is intended to stabilize the library’s finances and support strategic priorities identified in a two-year planning process, staff said. Jeannie Allen told trustees the figure follows months of analysis of projected needs for the next six to 10 years and legal review; staff reported they have received recommended edits to the ballot language. “This is the first read. We'll bring it back to you next month, for passage, for any input that you have this month,” Allen said.
Director Jason described broader context for the request, telling trustees that recent strategic work and service demands — including increased digital-resource use and community programming — informed the ask. In his monthly report, Jason also noted recent weather-related branch closures and late openings, that IT staffing is now complete to support planned technology upgrades, and that the library launched an 80th-anniversary passport program on Feb. 14 that has generated activity across branches.
Trustees did not take formal action on the levy draft at the meeting. The draft ballot language will be revised per legal recommendations and returned to the board for review and a possible vote at the April meeting, trustees said. The meeting closed after routine consent-agenda business and scheduling housekeeping items.
The draft resolution as presented lists the proposed new rate numerically (27¢ to 39¢); the draft did not specify the levy calculation unit or the exact ballot wording in full at this first read, and staff noted edits recommended by legal counsel.
