Trego's Mountain Ear

Hello,

I would like to share my concerns about the formation of a library district, and another increase in my taxes.

As you are aware our property appraisals went up 43%.  That translates to quite an increase in our taxes.  I am on a fixed income; I assure you no entity raised my income by 43%.

In addition to this, I understand we will be paying more taxes for schools in May because of an undercollection by the county. I also understand that we are very likely to start paying road taxes.  And when will Eureka decide it needs a new high school, again? None of this reflects on the quality or value of our libraries.

I value the library. But the choice is becoming voting against more taxes vs the possibility of losing my home due to my inability to pay taxes. We are not there yet, but we are getting closer all the time.  We are financially being squeezed from all sides (not just taxes).

Again, my concern has nothing to do with the library directly. In North Lincoln County we have watched our tax dollars go to Libby. A solution to budget problems regularly involves cutting services to North Lincoln County. The green boxes are a prime example: cut services while raising fees and increasing wages for that department. I fear over time a library district could follow the same path.

We live in very unstable financial times. Know that I value my library but I am very concerned.