Residents of Washoe County voted to deny a library ballot measure that would be separate from the general fund, guaranteeing the library a healthy budget to support its workers and public programs. If approved, libraries would have had guaranteed funding for 30 years. Approval of the ballot would not have raised taxes.
The funds amounted to approximately $4.5M, which will now be directed toward the general fund. Washoe County Commissioners now decide library funding. Library funds will be absorbed into the general fund in July. Within the last 30 years, the funds provided four new libraries, multiple renovations and maintenance services.
If Commissioners choose to reduce funding, libraries will resort to fewer hours, fewer programs, fewer employees and fewer new libraries.
The latest general fund reportedly paid for the hiring of 46 employees, homelessness projects, senior services and roads. Libraries will have to make a case for why funding is necessary.
Detractors to the libraries were concerned about book selections and library programs. (Source)
