The Municipal League of King County

Recommends a Vote
IN FAVOR
of the

King County Library System Replacement Bond

On the September 14, 2004

Primary Election Ballot

 Summary of Measure

 Citizens of the King County Library District (not including Seattle which has its own library system) will vote on a $172 million, ten-year capital facilities replacement bond.  For a home valued at $300,000, a homeowner would pay an average of $25 per year, or approximately $.08 per $1,000 of assessed value.  The bond replaces the previous library bonds, which were approved in 1990 and 1998 respectively.  The bond requires a 60% majority vote. 

 The King County Library System (KCLS) serves all areas of King County with five regional libraries and 39 branch libraries.  It is one of the busiest library systems in the country with over 16 million items checked out last year.  Library use has increased 40% over the past decade.  Annual operation of the King County libraries is funded by a property tax levy of approximately $.50 per $1,000 or $150 per year for a $300,000 home.  The proposed capital bond would not pay any operating expenses; rather it would pay for upkeep and expansion of the library facilities.  The KCLS states that it is unable to pay for capital facility improvements from its regular levy because Initiative 747 limited the growth of the levy revenues to just 1% a year while operating costs and library use have grown at a much faster rate.

 The proposed bond would replace a $67 million capital bond approved by voters in 1998 that will shortly expire.  The new $172 million bond is proposed to be used for the following purposes:

 A previous attempt in 2003 to have the voters approve a replacement bond failed.  The KCLS says that if the current bond is not approved, not only will basic upkeep of libraries suffer, operating funds will have to be raided, resulting in fewer open hours, less current collections and online resources, and more limited programs for children, youth and seniors. 

 Arguments FOR the Measure

 The following arguments were put forth by the proponents of the measure:

 ·         The bond replaces existing voter-approved bonds that are expiring and will continue to fund major repairs, capital upkeep and maintenance as well as expansion of the library system. 

·         Without the money from the replacement bond, the library system will lose the flexibility to grow and keep up with community needs.  I-747 limited the growth of existing operating levy revenues to 1% a year, far less than the increases in cost of operation and the rising demand.

·         King County Libraries are highly valued by the community and are widely used.  Over 90% of citizens in the library district have a library card. 

·         Libraries today are community meeting places as well as resources for internet access, job search and programming for children, youth and seniors.  The KCLS is well-known for innovative libraries in shopping centers that attract immigrants and other under-served groups. 

·         The 10-year capital facilities plan was developed with extensive input from the community.  Public meetings were held at every library and input was received from 2,600 individuals. 

·         Library use has increased 40% in the last decade.  Much of the growth has occurred in south King County, resulting in disparities in access to services between southern and north /east parts of the county.  The bond will help remedy this emerging disparity. 

·         A number of community organizations and local city councils have endorsed the bond, including most of the suburban chambers of commerce. 

 Arguments AGAINST the Measure

 The Ballot Issues Committee was unable to identify any organized opposition to the library bond, but developed the following potential arguments against the levies:

 ·         During the recent economic recession and taxpayer revolt against tax increases, the bond is an unnecessary program that citizens cannot afford.

·         Voters have already indicated once before that they do not wish to pay more for libraries at this time. 

·         The Library District has annexed numerous cities and new areas, increasing its tax base in recent years. 

·         Prudent management would set aside funds for capital upkeep out of ongoing revenues instead of asking voters to pay for routine capital maintenance with expensive long-term debt.

·         New and expanded libraries create new operating costs that are not addressed in the bond proposal.  Thus, future operating revenues are stretched further, making it even more difficult to fund long-term upkeep. 

 Recommendation and Rationale

 The Municipal League recommends a vote IN FAVOR of the King County Library Replacement Bond.  The League is impressed with the value and service provided to the community by the library system, and especially with its outreach to under-served groups.  Appropriate expansion and upkeep of library facilities must accompany growth and rising demand for library services.  The restrictions on the growth of the library operating levy, however, make it necessary to ask voters to pay for capital facilities separately.  Long-term bonds are an appropriate financing mechanism for facilities that will stand for many decades and serve future generations.

 The Municipal League of King County requires a two-thirds vote by the board of Trustees to approve recommendations on ballot issues.