Library district should do without levy lid lift

“All that glitters is not gold.”

This cliché means that promises do not always measure up to the hype.

Whenever a taxpayer-supported entity wants more money, it often threatens to reduce services if the public votes against it or overhypes the results if the public grants its wishes.

This appears to be the case with the Spokane County Library levy lid lift issue on this month’s ballot.

The library district says in a flier: “Over the next three-year period, operational costs will outstrip revenue since the new levy rate would drop to 44 cents per $1,000 valuation in 2007 and will continue to drop, resulting in reductions of programs, library hours, and new library materials.

“There will be no service enhancements, and the district will continue borrowing to pay bills between property tax collection periods.”

The reason I think this is less than candid is because the 1 percent is still going to be an increase in the existing budget. If the library district’s operating costs increase 4 to 5 percent per year, perhaps it should look more closely at reducing expenditures.

Even if it drops to 44 cents per thousand, as stated above, the recent rise in property assessments makes the pool of money from which to draw larger.

I don’t think the circumstances are as dire as the proponents indicate. Sure, they may have to cut back on expenses, but don’t we all?

I am traveling less since gas prices increased. I am cutting back on unnecessary activities because I expect a higher property tax burden with the 25 percent increase in my property assessment.

Isn’t it fair to think that our government could do the same?

Another aspect of this issue is an impending court ruling.

In 2001 the voters approved, by a large majority, I-747 which required state and local governments to limit property tax levy increases to 1 percent per year. More recently a Superior Court judge held that Initiative 747 was unconstitutional.

The ruling has been appealed, and a “stay” is in place. The “stay” means that the decision does not go into effect while it is being appealed.

The state Supreme Court ruling is expected in November.

If the Supreme Court upholds the Superior Court ruling, the limit will be 6 percent for the levy in 2008. If it overturns the decision, the limit will be 1 percent.

And, the legislative body could produce a different limit if it so chooses, which further confuses the issue.

So why the big rush by the library district? Why not wait until the final results are in?

Consider this. The majority of the voters statewide approved I-747 because they believe that politicians repeatedly have failed to limit skyrocketing property taxes. Taxing authorities regularly increase property taxes to the maximum limit of 106 percent.

Property taxes are increasing so rapidly that working-class families and senior citizens are being taxed out of their homes. It is nearly impossible for first-time home buyers to afford a home.

I voted for I-747 hoping to get some relief from ever-increasing property taxes. I will vote against the library lid lift for the same reason.

I encourage a “no” vote at this time. If the ruling of King County Superior Court Judge Mary Roberts is upheld, then the library district will get what it wants without this vote.