In 1992 our library’s operating tax rate was .15 cents (or 0.15%) per $100 of assessed value.
In 2024 (32 years later) our operating tax rate is .15 cents (or 0.15%) per $100 of assessed value.
On November 5th we are asking the public to raise our operating tax rate to .25 cents (or 0.25%) per $100 of assessed value through the proposed referendum.
What’s a referendum?
A referendum is an election process that asks voters to make a “yes” or “no” decision on a proposal.
What will the library referendum look like?
The question on the ballot can be confusing so we wanted to share what the question will look like:
Shall the annual public library tax rate for Chillicothe Public Library District, Chillicothe, Illinois be established at .25% of the equalized assessed value instead of at .15% the maximum rate otherwise applicable to the next taxes to be extended?
A “yes” vote in means you support this effort, and a “no” vote means you do not.
How will it impact you?
If this ballot measure is approved, an average home valued at $100,000 will pay approximately $28 more per year. A historic look shows that in:
- 2023 an average home value of 100,000 paid approximately $70 for library services.
- 2025 (if Referendum is approved) an average home value of 100,000 will pay around $98 for library services, or roughly $0.27 cents per day. Less than a cup of coffee!
How do we compare to other libraries in the area?
This chart provides operating tax rates for a few area libraries:
| Library | Rate Setting Year | Corporate Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Chillicothe Public Library | 1992 | .15 |
| Carthage | 1991 | .23 |
| Lillie M Evans | 1991 | .30 |
| Toulon | 1991 | .27 |
| Brimfield | 1995 | .40 |
| Kewanee | 2006 | .49 |
| Alpha Park | 2016 | .19 |
What will the library do with the increased revenue?
The additional revenue will offset increasing operating expenses for things like library materials & supplies, costs for programs, and minimum wage requirements.
Additionally, it will help cover upcoming capital improvement projects such as resurfacing the library parking lot, replacing the eroding guttering system, and repairing worn carpeted areas in the main body of the library. Importantly, it will allow the library to continue to provide the outstanding resources and services that our community deserves well into the future.
What’s the value of the library to the community?
Public libraries are more than just books! From July 2023 – June 2024, Chillicothe Public Library District provided 627 free public programs for children, teens and adults that were attended by 8691 people. Events included author talks, concerts, cooking instruction, crafting, current event lecture series, computer & technology classes, seasonal markets, and fantastic summer reading activities!
The library provides business services like printing, laminating, and license plate renewals along with free notary, and exam proctoring services. The library also offers free study room use, and provides free Wi-Fi. In fact, Wi-Fi access is available even when the library is closed – from our parking lot 24 hours a day, 7-days a week!
Public libraries not only help create more literate, civil societies; they provide real economic value. Investing in your library means investing in your community.
By providing loanable materials, computers & technologies, programming, and outreach services Chillicothe Public Library generated $1,581,068.25 of value in 2023. This equates to a direct return on investment benefit to the community of $2.13 for every $1.00 the library spent.
Please remember to vote on November 5th, 2024!