Busy library needs public's support

Batavia voters will be asked to make an important decision about one of the community's most treasured assets, the Batavia Public Library. The all-volunteer Citizens for Batavia Public Library is working to raise awareness about the library's Nov. 6 zero-tax-rate-change ballot question and encourage Batavians to vote "Yes."

The library is requesting that its current tax rate remain at its current level. The portion of the library's overall tax rate for paying off building construction bonds, about seven cents, will be eliminated when debt is retired in December 2018. If this proposal passes, that seven cents will transfer to the library's tax rate for operations. So even though the ballot reads a seven-cent increase, the net effect is a zero tax rate change.

Essentially the library is swapping the seven cents used to pay back the bonds for seven cents to be dedicated to operating funds to maintain the community's investment in the nearly 20-year-old building.

The "new" library has served our community well for almost 20 years and has become a very busy place. In fact, the library had over 250,000 visits last year - a statistic that illustrates the library's role in making our downtown vibrant.

We want voters to know that a yes vote will protect their investment in this valuable resource, ensure quality services, and secure our library's future.

Daniel Russo, Chair

Citizens for Batavia Public Library