Library hosts meetings on fall library tax referendum

Kickoff is July 13 in Dingman Township MILFORD — After careful deliberation, the Pike County Public Library Board has asked the Pike County Commissioners to place a referendum on the Nov. 3, ballot for a dedicated library tax of 1 mil. The library board has been in discussions over the past two years with the Pike County Commissioners about the critical need for increased library funding. “Our county’s annual library allocation has remained frozen at $200,000 since 2000 while demand for library’s services has increased by 100% and continues to climb substantially each year,” says library board president Maleyne Syracuse. “The Commissioners have said they cannot increase the annual library appropriation and suggested that the library seek voter approval for a dedicated library tax in order to secure the increased funding we need.” Based on the current assessed value of property in Pike County, a one mil tax would yield over $900,000 annually. The annual cost to the average Pike County homeowner would be about $35—less than what it costs a family of four to go to the movies once. To ensure that the referendum is placed on the November 2009 ballot, the library must gather more than 700 petition signatures from Pike County voters. By law, the petition drive must be held between Aug. 4 and Aug. 25. “Libraries are uniquely democratic institutions that are vital to our quality of life and our community’s continuing economic, cultural, recreational and social well-being,” says library director Ellen Schaffner. “The Library needs help to gather petition signatures, educate voters about the referendum, and get out the vote on Nov. 3.” Library volunteers will host a series of community meetings in all 13 Pike County municipalities—and for any interested community organization—to provide information and address residents’ questions. The series will kickoff on Monday, July 13 at 7 p.m., in Dingman Township, at the Volunteer Fire Department, located at 680 Log Tavern Road.