Ashland Files Local Library Option

A measure that will re-open public libraries in Ashland will be on the ballot in September, as community sponsored efforts organize to campaign for its passage.

The Committee to Open Ashland Library (COAL)  is a grassroots campaign asking the community to approve a two-year local option levy of up to $.58 per $1000 assessed property value as interim funding to operate the Ashland Public Library.

The Public Library in Ashland, Oregon has been closed since April 6, 2007 due to lack of funding from  Jackson County. The Ballot measure 15-79, providing interim funding for the Ashland Library, will be decided by a special election on September 18, 2007.  This will be a mail-in election.  Passage of the levy requires a 50% voter turnout.

If the levy passes, Ashland Library is expected to re-open in October 2007. Ashland  City Staff will work with Jackson County  staff to develop  a mutually acceptable intergovernmental agreement(IGA) detailing the contractural services the City desires and the County will provide to operate the Ashland Public Library.

The full text of M15-79 as filed with the County is available for viewing at:  http://co.jackson.or.us/page.asp?navid=2080

COAL will publish one Argument in the Voters’ Pamphlet that simply lists names of endorsers.  COAL invites everyone to add their name urging support of M15-79 to re-open the Ashland Library. The effort is to include as many names as space and funds permit.  The deadline for submitting names and required signed SEL400 forms is Monday, July 23.

Early contributions are needed to pay for Arguments published in the Voters’ Pamphlet, due Monday, July 23.  The filing fee for each Argument is $350 for up to 325 words.  Checks payable to “COAL” may be mailed to P.O. Box 3598, Ashland, OR, 97520 and qualify for the Oregon Income Tax Credit of up to $50 per person per year

Organizations that have already expressed support include Ashland District School Board, League of Women Voters in Ashland, and Service Employees International Union.

A Library Supporters Discussion Group will gather to meet with concerned citicens,to answer questions on efforts to re-open Ashland and other branch libraries. Monday July 23rd from 7-9 PM at Peace House, 543 S. Mountain Avenue.

Committee to Open Ashland Library
Amy Blossom and Pam Vavra Co-Chairs, Anne Billeter, Josh Gordon, Ann Magill, John Sexton
P.O. Box 3598, Ashland, OR, 97520
http://www.ashlandlibrary.org

Measure #15-79  City of Ashland

CAPTION:  Local Option Tax Levy Interim Funding for Ashland Public Library

QUESTION:  Shall Ashland levy up to $.58 per $1,000 assessed value for two years beginning July 1, 2007 for library operations?

SUMMARY:  This measure may be passed only at an election with at least a 50 percent voter turnout. (Required language per ORS 250.036 and not counted towards overall word count.)  This tax levy is an interim funding solution to operate the Ashland branch public library for no more than two years.

Up to .58 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value may be levied if this measure passes.  This levy is expected to generate $1.032 million annually.  The average assessed value for a single family home in Ashland is approximately  $207,000, and this household would pay $120 per year if this measure passes.

Funds generated under this levy will only be used to provide library services.  The City will not levy this tax if Jackson County provides funding for adequate library services.

To open the Ashland library, the City of Ashland and Jackson County must negotiate and approve an intergovernmental agreement.

Library services in Ashland will include the following, at a minimum:

*  40 open hours per week with professional staff.
*   Existing public terminals for internet access.
*   Newspaper and magazine subscriptions.
*   Access to materials currently in the Ashland library.
*  400 new books per year.
*  Children’s programs and reference services.