With Kitsap library levy trailing 17 percent, officials concede

Kitsap Regional Library's levy lid lift was trailing in the polls, according to preliminary results as of Tuesday evening. After counting 59,008 ballots, the levy proposal was trailing 58.45 percent to 41.55 percent, or 34,493 votes to 24,515 votes. The levy lid lift proposes a 13.5 cen

November 2, 2010 11:13 pm
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Library patrons wait outside the downtown Bremerton library on Fifth Avenue each day before its 1 p.m. opening.
Library patrons wait outside the downtown Bremerton library on Fifth Avenue each day before its 1 p.m. opening.

After early results Tuesday showed Kitsap Regional Library’s levy lid lift trailing 16.9 percent, library officials have conceded the election.

But officials said in a statement the library district is facing drastic cuts, and could put another levy to voters in 2011.

After counting 59,008 ballots, the levy proposal was trailing 58.45 percent to 41.55 percent, or 34,493 votes to 24,515 votes.

“We still believe in our library system and we know that there are many Kitsap County residents who also believe,” said Gail Mathison, president of the Kitsap Regional Library Board of Trustees

The levy lid lift proposes a 13.5 cent property tax increase to 48 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. It would provide Kitsap Regional Library with an additional $36.5 million during the next 10 years. The money will help pay for a new Silverdale branch, building improvements at other locations, new technology and increased operating hours.

The district hasn’t had a levy approved by voters since 1979.

If the levy fails, the libraries will use current buildings and cut back on business hours until 2012 when deeper cuts may be enacted, library officials said.

For results click here.

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