STAYTON LIBRARY/POOL THREE-YEAR LOCAL OPTION TAX LEVY

The Stayton City Council proposes a three-year local option tax levy totaling $300,000 beginning 1999-2000 fiscal year to support the operation of the Stayton Public Library and the Stayton Family Memorial Pool in the annual amounts of $60,000 and $40,000 respectively. The levy monies would not be used for any other purpose than the operating expenses for the two facilities.

In the current budget year, the Library is supported by $89,922 from the General Fund. The remainder of the Librarys $144,072 budget is from income generated by Library activity in the amount of $54,150. This year, the Library is not purchasing new books and has lowered the budget by $20,000. However, even this cut was not enough to save the Citys General Fund from additional spending and the resulting sale of assets in order to maintain partial Library operations. Passage of the levy would bring the Librarys inventory of books up to normal levels and ensure full time operation six days a week.

In the current budget year, the Stayton Family Memorial Pool is supported by $74,422 from the General Fund. The remainder of the Pools $207,803 budget is from income generated by Pool activity in the amount of $133,381. This income represents an increase in admission fees of between 10% and 20%, an increase which cannot be expected to occur again for several years. The annual $40,000 levy would ensure that present Pool operations and fee levels are maintained.

The funding from the General Fund in support of the Stayton Public Library and the Stayton Family Memorial Pool has lowered the available cash for General Fund expenses to the point that the City faces the potential of borrowing money (and incurring the added interest expense) in order to meet obligations prior to receiving property tax revenues in November. These lost monies can only be made up by growth - in approximately three years. Until then, the City would not be able to support the Library and/or the Pool at present levels without levy revenues.

Passage of the levy would provide all community group users such as schools and seniors access to Library facilities, including new books, reading programs for children, internet access via public computers, book searches throughout the United States and reference resources. Operation of the Pool would continue with daily pool use including classes, swim team, water aerobics, party rentals and family swims. Users outside the Stayton area would continue to pay additional fees for the use of these facilities. Property tax collections for other units of local government would not be reduced if the local option tax levy is passed.

Submitted by:

David A. Rhoten, City Attorney

City of Stayton

No arguments in favor of or opposed to this measure were filed.