A Washoe County Commissioners meeting was held today and, even though the item wasn't on the agenda, a mass of public comments came in to discuss funding to libraries from property taxes.
They were discussing WC-1 or Question 1, a question those in the Washoe County area saw on their ballot and ultimately rejected.
Many of the people who showed up to the meeting to support the libraries were confused on the language for Question 1.
Question 1 was referring to a renewal of a tax that was enacted in 1994. The question takes existing property taxes that are currently being collected and reserves a portion of that to the Washoe County libraries.
Since the funding was not renewed, the library system is looking for other funding options and looking into budget cuts - which will hinder their services to the public.
Jeff Scott, the Library Director of Washoe County Library System, says, "We're hoping that the county would suggest to keep that funding; because, as stated, that funding is currently collected and will continue to be collected. And we're hoping the commissioners will fund the libraries in the future."
In 2021, the libraries had a $1.5 million increase in the budget from the commissioners which added three staff at five locations of the library, allowing them to add an additional day of service.
This will now have to be eliminated - and that's only one third of what needs to be cut since losing the budget.
Scott mentions, "The advantage with this is: The county still has the money. So your taxes aren't going down because you voted no. The county still collects the property tax, so they still have a $4.5 million surplus as of July 1st. So the commissioners could easily support the libraries with that funding, so our advocacy is hoping they will do that and they understand the value of libraries to the community. So the money is there; we don't need to supplement it - they already have the money."
He says they're hopeful the commissioners will help because of the turn out from the public comment today. There were 100 people who showed up to support the library.
Some community members think it's confusing to follow where the funds for the library are going now that they've stopped the funding through property taxes.
Jessica Munger, a community member and volunteer with Freedom to Read Nevada tells us, "There was a lot of confusion with the language of WC-1. A lot of people have told us they misunderstood and thought it was to levy a new tax, or taxes would increase if it passed, or their taxes would decrease if it didn't pass - and none of those things are true. Taxes stay the same; that money is now available to be earmarked other than going back to the libraries for 30 years."
Washoe County told us the funding to the libraries goes through June 30th and they don't know what they're going to do with the taxes yet. Washoe County also mentioned they don't have a meeting to discuss this issue now, but it's highly likely they will.
Scott tells us the libraries give back to the community more than just having books in their buildings; they also host Kids Cafe's and school lunches for students when they're not in school. They also have partnerships with the Northern Nevada Literacy Council where they have adult literacy programs and much more.
Bonnie Klud, a resident of Washoe County says, "The library provides opportunities for people to fellowship; they wouldn't meet in other avenues. It provides computer training and performances, and options to do a variety of things - it really helps build a culture."
Sofia Lombardo, another lifelong resident of Washoe County tells us, "It serves so many various people in our communities and also helps create an equitable access to necessary resources like books; but other than that it also helps provide people with resources for people looking for jobs.”
There was also a 'Read In' today at the meeting where people were asked to bring a book to the county commissioners meeting and read during the meeting, or to have it with them so that when they addressed the subject, those attending could hold up their books to show solidarity with the libraries.
Scott tells us he was proud of the community's response, and thinks it will help. "The stories have just been fantastic - the community really loves and supports this library. To come during the day, to come to public comment and talk about all the things. And people in this community have been here for over 30 years talking about how the libraries have grown with them."
