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Council advances proposed library tax increase to shore up staff, programs and digital services
Summary
Council approved a revised property tax impact schedule proposing a $171,600 dedicated library tax increase to convert part‑time hours to full‑time staff, add a courier, maintain Libby service, and expand programming; the interim step passed 4–1 after extensive debate about uses and alternatives.
The Highland City Council on June 16 approved a revised property tax impact schedule that would raise dedicated library revenue by about $171,600 to sustain the Tempenogus consortium services, expand staffing and preserve digital subscriptions.
Erin (staff) said the increase — about $27.36 per year for the average Highland home under the proposed rate — would convert one part‑time position to full‑time, add two part‑time roles including a dedicated courier for interlibrary transfers, and cover a roughly $10,000 increase in the Libby e‑content subscription. The package addresses higher workload since Highland joined the Tempenogus Library Consortium and rising program demands.
Library Board member Rachel Farnsworth told the council, “There is something at the library for absolutely everyone,” and described the library’s role in workforce development, early‑literacy programs and free access to expensive software. Patty Royster, Friends of the Library, said Libby and storytimes are central to families’ reading habits and urged support.
Opponents and some council members described the proposal as a choice between wants and needs. Council Member Rice said she preferred to keep PI funds intact for infrastructure needs, and Council Member Smith voiced concern about rising household bills and suggested using existing general‑fund reserves or cutting programs instead. David Mortonson explained the accounting and why staff recommended an ongoing revenue solution rather than depleting fund balance.
Council voted 4–1 in favor of adopting the revised impact schedule, a procedural step that moves the proposed levy forward in the interim budget and truth‑in‑taxation process. The final decision on the library tax will occur after county certification and additional public outreach; staff said public information meetings are planned before an August final vote.
What happens next: The proposed tax will appear in the truth‑in‑taxation schedule; if the council approves it in August, staff will implement the staffing and program changes and report back on service metrics.
