East Lake Library Tax District: Vote Set for Tuesday

East Lake residents are one-step closer to getting their own taxing district. Pinellas County Commissioners are set to vote on an ordinance Tuesday that allows residents to fund their own library.

"This means that all of the tax dollars that you pay for the library will come back 100 percent to East Lake," said Roger Johnson, who is on the East Lake Library Advisory Board.

East Lake is one of the wealthier communities in Pinellas County. Many residents have been unhappy for years because a large portion of their tax money is distributed for use at libraries in other parts of the county. 80 percent of East Lake's 30,962 residents own their homes, which have a median value of $312,700, according to 2010 U.S. Census records. That accounts for a lot of tax revenue.

The ordinance would allow the creation of a separate taxing district for East Lake in which would pay a quarter mill in taxes. This tax would replace the current library services tax. East Lake Library Director Patricia Perez says this would be a tax reduction for residents. East Lake property owners would also no longer have to pay into the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative.

Johnson says the much-needed tax revenue will be put to good use because the library serves two purposes in East Lake.

"The library is extremely important. The library kind of wears two hats, not only as a library. but as a community center. We don't have a nice community center like Clearwater does in Countryside or Palm Harbor does at The Centre. So, it's important that we get the tax money back to the library."

There will be a public comment period before commissioners vote Tuesday evening. Johnson is urging residents to speak at the meeting. If residents can't make it, he suggests they send an email to commissioners to let them know their opinion on the matter.

What to Know if You Go

Pinellas County Commission Board Meeting

• When: Tuesday, May 21
• Where: 5th Floor, 315 Court Street, Clearwater
• Time: Public hearings begin at 6 p.m. Read the meeting agenda
• How to contact Pinellas County Commissioners

The East Lake Community Library is located at 4125 East Lake Road, (727) 773-2665 

Related

• East Lake Taxing District Proposal Moves Forward
• Poll: Should East Lake Have its Own Taxing District?
• East Lake Library to Split From Palm Harbor Jurisdiction

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