Jefferson County voters approved a tax increase that will benefit the county’s library system and add approximately $8 million to its budget next year. The measure passed with 53 percent of voters casting a “yes” ballot.
It’s would be the first time in 29 years that voters approved a property tax increase for the libraries. A measure failed in 2000.
The tax increase of one mill will raise taxes about 67 cents per $100,000 of home value. The average Jeffco home will pay about $8.77 per month in taxes that go toward the library.
, saying the extra funds will help the libraries add extended hours, update books and technology and work on aging buildings.
Board members also had noted that the library’s budget had decreased about $3 million since 2008. This year’s budget was approximately $25 million.
Jeffco Public Library has 10 branches, a bookmobile, 369 part-time and full-time employees, and receives more than 2.5 million visits per year.
Joe Vaccarelli: 303-954-2396, jvaccarelli@denverpost.com or @joe_vacc
