A majority of voters in the have supported a tax measure that will infuse the district with nearly $6 million in additional revenue each year.
District Issue 4A was supported 55.7 percent of voters who cast ballots this election season.
The measure was opposed by 24,857 voters; 31,286 cast their vote in support.
The measure will raise the district’s mill levy rate from 4.2 mills to 5.4. That translates to $2.39 in additional taxes each month on a home worth $300,000.
The property tax increase on district residents should result in $5,997,279 in new funding for the district each year, according to the measure.
The money primarily will be be directed to replenishing reserves that had been spent in recent years, as well as supporting and maintaining the district’s ability to buy new books, provide technology and research materials, increase programs for seniors and other services, the measure says.
“The cost of doing business has gone up,” shortly after the ballot question was announced, noting Arapahoe Libraries last sought a tax increase in 2003. “In addition, we’ve expanded services in 12 years. The hope is this increase will take us out another 10 to 12 years.”
The Arapahoe Library District estimates it serves 250,000 patrons.
Joe Rubino: 303-954-2953, jrubino@denverpost.com or @RubinoJC
