St. Helens library warns of possible cuts as council weighs utility fee and local levy

The St. Helens Library director told the board on Feb. 9 that the city faces a general-fund shortfall and is weighing two revenue options that could affect library funding. City officials are considering a municipal services fee charged on utility bills or a local tax levy; both options were described as temporary, sunsetted measures that would need ballot language and election placement.

At the meeting the director said the municipality offered two illustrative figures: $24 per equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) per month would generate enough to create a 10% reserve, while $35.30 per EDU per month would generate a 20% reserve. The alternative presented was a local tax levy of $1.49 per $1,000 of assessed market value, which was said to achieve a 10% reserve. The director said the council must adopt ballot language and submit it to the county election official by the stated deadline discussed in the meeting.

The director cautioned the board that cuts to the library budget were possible if voters do not approve additional revenue, and she urged community support for the library’s outreach and events as part of that effort. “We’re really gonna need our community to come out and support us,” she said. She described the Feb. 25 joint City Council–Library Board meeting as an opportunity to present updated numbers and to engage council members in person.

No formal policy or vote by the library board was recorded on the fee or levy during the Feb. 9 meeting. The director said she will attend city work sessions and special sessions through the next weeks, will circulate a draft presentation to board members before the Feb. 25 joint meeting, and will update the board if council plans change.

The board’s next regularly scheduled joint session with council is Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers; the director asked board members to attend in person if possible to support quorum and show community backing.