| HeraldNet - Snohomish County's online news source |
 SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2010 4:11 pm |
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Editorials 
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ENDORSEMENT / SNO-ISLE LIBRARIES LEVY Approve reasonable request It would be difficult to overstate the case for approving the Sno-Isle Libraries' reasonable and responsible levy request on the Nov. 3 ballot.The 21-library district, which serves about 656,000 residents in Snohomish and Island counties, is asking for a 9 cent increase per $1,000 of assessed home value, raising the rate from 31 cents to 40 cents. That's $18 a year more on a $200,000 home; $27 on a $300,000 home and $36 on a $400,000 home. The revenue pays for all operational costs for the 21 libraries and mobile service, including books, computers, online resources, library programs and staff. The proposal, which was not made lightly by Sno-Isle in this economy, reflects a balance between what library patrons want, need and expect, and what they are willing to pay for. Without the levy, the system faces a projected $2.5 million shortfall. The levy request reflects cuts to the budget that show administrators take seriously their fiscal responsibility while still providing an excellent library system. Toward that end, Sno-Isle has proposed two 2010 budgets — one that includes an approved levy and one that doesn't. If the levy is approved, Sno-Isle will also take the following steps to avoid cutting services in 2010: n A 3 percent salary reduction for the six highest-paid employees, plus the remainder of the senior administrators, for 2010. n Salary freeze for all other staff for 2010. n Replacement of the library computer system delayed until 2011. n Materials and equipment budget reductions. n Elimination of a number of vacant positions. n Elimination of the non-library program presenters' budget. Without the levy, those cuts will happen and the district will reduce operating hours in all libraries. The importance of a robust and healthy library system is incalculable. This is always true, but even more apparent in this dire economy, as more and more people make use of the many and varied services offered through Sno-Isle, from job-hunting resources to free family activities, not to mention the good old standbys of being able to check out books, videos and music. We urge you to stop by your community library if you haven't done so lately, to get a sense of all you get for your tax dollars. Visit Sno-Isle Libraries online at www.sno-isle.org to see all the ways information is accessible to library users, and all of the myriad services that are available. The levy will allow the good stewards of the Sno-Isle Libraries to continue to provide the outstanding services the public enjoys, and expects. Vote “yes.” |
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(12) - Teen guilty of drunken driving, fleeing scene of wreck that injured officer (12)
- Boeing may have to battle Russians, EADS for tanker contract (11)
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