‘YES’ ON HENDERSON LIBRARIES QUESTION NO. 1: A small price to pay to save a valuable community resource
Twelve years ago, when I moved to Henderson, signs on the city's streets declared, "Henderson - A place to call home." I soon found the heart of that sign in the branches of the Henderson Libraries. There I encountered people, programs, materials and technical support to fulfill my needs. I want those relationships to continue for me as well as everyone else in the Henderson community. That's why I support approval of Henderson Libraries Question No. 1.
How did we get to the point that we need a library tax initiative? The decline in assessed values and the related decrease in tax collections have resulted in a 30 percent loss of revenue for the city's libraries over the past several years. Staff, hours, programs and materials have been reduced correspondingly. For example, 32 employees were lost through attrition, and those spots have not been refilled. In 2008 and 2009, the district stopped offering cost-of-living increases and merit pay raises to employees. Also in 2008 and 2009, all libraries were closed on Sundays and hours were reduced. In 2010, everyone, including Executive Director Tom Fay, took a 10 percent pay cut. As of Oct. 1, all of Henderson's libraries began closing on Mondays, too.
Why is a tax initiative the way to address revenue needs? First, we must remember that Henderson Libraries are not funded through municipal or county budgets. Rather, it is a special district funded mainly through property taxes. Second, we need to recognize that Henderson residents now pay significantly less for library services than other Clark County residents. Even with a 2-cent increase, Henderson Libraries' rate would only be 7.75 cents per $100 in assessed property value, less than Las Vegas-Clark County (9.42 cents) and Boulder City (8.55 cents).
What will happen if the tax initiative fails? The Malcolm and Galleria branches will be closed, and those staff positions will be terminated. Even if the tax initiative passes, other cost-saving measures will have to be considered. These are realities, not scare tactics.
Are libraries worth saving? That is always the fundamental question. Public library districts such as Henderson Libraries provide access to free information, promote a more literate community and develop a sense of community. In June 2012, Henderson Libraries checked out materials worth $2,963,251.75 in retail value, and 19,721 patrons used $273,337 in retail value in computer time. Businesses looking to move or expand to cities like Henderson demand an educated workforce. Having a literate and informed community improves the city's viability to attract businesses and, thus, jobs to Henderson.
Will we get our 2 cents worth? The revenue produced by the additional 2 cents will go toward necessary operating expenses (such as utilities, office supplies, building maintenance, etc.) and the purchase of library materials for public use. The weekly operating expenses for the Henderson Libraries averages $123,915 (this includes the cost of purchasing new books). If the increase passes, it will not be used to increase salaries, benefits or the number of staff positions. Essentially, we are talking about saving what we have so that we will have something to build on in the future.
When my husband and I announced our intention to move to Henderson in January 2001, a Washington, D.C., friend, who was a national leader in developing libraries, wrote, "You will love the Henderson Libraries." His words proved true as we settled in and began to connect with the staff and programs, adding our personal evaluation to our friend's professional one. We are patrons, friends and volunteers. We use resources and enjoy activities in all of the library branches. Now, in 2012, we are faced with trying to save what we love.
In more than 50 years as a registered voter, I had never placed a sign in my yard to support a candidate or cause. Fall 2012 became an exception. A "Vote YES on Henderson Libraries Question 1" sign is posted in front of my residence. The sign is there because I believe that maintaining library services in the Henderson community is critical to the well-being of its residents - that maintaining library services saves the heart of "Henderson - A place to call home."
Henderson resident Kathy Hug is a community volunteer.
HENDERSON LIBRARIES QUESTION NO. 1
Shall the Board of Trustees of the Henderson District Public Libraries be authorized to levy an additional property tax rate for library purposes, including, without limitation, operating and maintaining library facilities (excluding employee salaries and benefits), and acquiring, constructing, equipping and improving library facilities, and the repayment of debt issued therefor, of up to 2 cents per $100 assessed valuation for a period of up to 30 years commencing July 1, 2013? The cost for the owner of a new $100,000 home is estimated to be $7 per year. If this question is approved by the voters, any property tax levied under this question will be outside of the caps on a taxpayer's liability for property taxes established by the legislature in the 2005 session.
