Lombard voters approve bond issue for new library

Lombard voters approved a tax rate increase for the Helen Plum Library that will fund the construction of a new building, according to unofficial election results.

Unofficial totals show 53 percent of voters approving the request, with all precincts reporting.

The library will borrow $22.3 million to replace its existing building at 110 W. Maple St. The loan will be repaid over a 20-year period.

Homeowners can expect an increase of about $72 per year, or about $6 per month, on their property taxes for every $100,000 of their home's fair market value.

It has been 40 years since voters approved a tax rate increase for the library, which was constructed in 1963. An addition was completed in 1978. Since then, no extra space has been added, and many structural repairs and improvements have been put aside, including replacement of the original heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

In 2004, about 56 percent of voters rejected a request to borrow $23.5 million to construct a new building. The amount requested through this year's referendum was lowered to $22.3 million.