City residents will see a separate proposition to increase the library tax for the Watervliet Public Library on the May 20 school budget ballot.
The Watervliet Public Library Board of Trustees recently notified district officials about its proposition that asks voters to authorize the school district to levy a tax of $200,000, an increase of $50,000, to increase library staffing and the continuation of library services.
In accordance with state education law, the school district is required to present the library proposition on its ballot. Although the library proposition has nothing to do with the school district finances, the law requires that school districts allow public libraries that are located within district boundaries to place funding propositions on the district ballot, and use school district voting machines and polling locations upon request.
It is important to note that library expenditures are not part of the school budget. If approved, any increased tax revenue collected would go directly to the library, not the school district.
Below are some questions and answers about the library vote:
Q. Why do public and association libraries request funding through a school district ballot?
A. State education law provides a means for public libraries to access voters in the community via the annual school budget ballot or other school vote, in order to levy taxes and use district tax collection services.
Q. If voters approve the library budget, is the tax money collected for the public library mixed with school district funds?
A. No, the tax monies are kept separate. Funds collected for the library budget are paid to the treasurer of the library board of trustees.
Q. Is the library taking school taxes away from the school district and my children?
A. No, the school district would collect taxes on behalf of the library as per state education law. The money is in no way connected to the school budget. Library taxes are voted on separately from the school district budget and neither benefit nor detract from the school budget.
Q. Does the library funding appear as part of the school district budget?
A. No. Library funds are not included as part of the school district budget.