Please vote yes for the Timberland Regional Library (TRL) funding measure on the fall ballot.
TRL is 95% dependent on property tax revenue for its budget. Under state law since 2001, it can only raise the property tax revenue by 1% per year. Over 25 years, that is only a 28% increase in revenue, compared to inflation of 88% over this period.
In essence, TRL has lost about one-third of its buying power. A book that cost $10 in 2001 costs more like $18 today.
The ballot measure we are voting on would only return the levy rate to where it was in 2019, not all the way back to where it was before 2001. I appreciate that the TRL board members, appointed by our county commissioners, asked only for what they need, not for a larger increase.
If it passes, we will see a small increase of $3-$5 per month for most homes, far below what an inflation-based increase would implement. I use the library system for books, magazines, newspapers and videos. There is even a “library of things” to borrow, including bicycle repair tools and binoculars.
The library system benefits all of us. It deserves our support. Please vote yes.
Jim Lazar
Olympia
