Jackson County Libraries Proposal Moves Forward With Commissioners
Rogue Valley
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners had lots of company this morning, as the first public hearing on the proposed formation of the Jackson County Library District took place at 9:30 at the County Courthouse Auditorium. Hear the testimony of fellow citizens on the RVTV PEG Player here. With the Board giving it’s approval today, a second and final hearing will take place on February 12, 2014. The measure is expected to go before voters on the May 20 primary ballot.
The current 2013-14 budget for Libraries in Jackson County is 6.2 million dollars, with 5 million of that coming from the County general fund. The Commissioners last October approved going forward with the Library District with a proposed maximum property tax levy of .60 cents per thousand, which would generate 9.9 million per year. A homeowner of a property worth $154,210 would pay an additional $92.53 per year at the maximum rate.
There is also a proposed tax district in the works for the May ballot to fund the OSU Extension services and it’s Master Garderner, 4H, and the many agricultural programs and activities associated with Extension. The Extension District is asking voters for .05 cents per thousand.