Batavia Public Library Places Proposal on November Ballot

Batavia, Ill. — At its meeting on July 17, Library Trustees voted unanimously to place a proposal on the November, 2018 ballot. The proposal requests a seven-cent increase in the Library’s general operating tax rate; however, the overall tax rate for residents will remain the same, because the Library’s tax rate for paying off building construction bonds—slightly more than seven cents—will be eliminated; the debt will be retired in December 2018.

If the voters approve the referendum proposal, then the Board intends to use the revenue to maintain and repair the building and to maintain and improve services.

“The Library building is nearly 20 years old,” noted Library Board President Andrew Deitchman. “The community is aware that, over time, equipment and building systems need additional maintenance, repairs, and updates.”

George H. Scheetz, Library Director, said, “In addition to the Library’s financial needs for building maintenance, the revenue from the referendum proposal will be used to meet community expectations for services, collections, and programs.”

The Library proposal will appear on the ballot on November 6, 2018.