FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2025
Lopez Island Library Asks Voters to Consider Levy Lid Lift on August Ballot: Proposition to Restore Funding Levels to Sustain Services and Meet Community Needs
LOPEZ ISLAND, WA — The Board of Trustees for the Lopez Island Library District has voted to place a levy lid lift measure on the August 5, 2025, ballot. This is not a new levy. If approved by voters, the measure would restore the library’s regular property tax levy rate which is currently $0.30 per $1,000 of assessed property value to $0.48 —the same rate Lopez voters approved in 2019. This is a change of 18 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.
This adjustment would help the library keep up with rising costs and continue providing the programs, collections, and services that Lopez residents rely on. Without additional revenue, the library faces reductions in services, deferred building maintenance, and potential cuts to programs used by residents of all ages.
“The library has a long history as a place where the community gathers, learns, and connects,” said Library Director Darren Hoerner. “We’ve managed our finances carefully, but with rising costs and ongoing funding uncertainty at the federal and state levels, we now need to restore the levy rate to continue delivering the services our community depends on.”
The Lopez Island Library is primarily funded through a local property tax levy, which provides around 90% of its budget. State law only allows the library to increase this amount by 1% per year unless voters approve a different rate. This means the library’s budget can not keep pace with inflation or increased demand for services.
Additionally, the library recently completed a Facilities Condition Assessment that identified over $2 million in maintenance needs of the historic building—from a leaking roof and outdated electrical and lighting systems to parking lot repairs and failing windows.
A restored levy lid rate of $0.48 per $1,000 of assessed property value will ensure adequate financial support for day-to-day operations, programs, books and materials, and building upkeep.
If the proposition is approved, the restored levy rate would mean an increase of about $9 per month for the owner of a $600,000 property.
A YES vote would help maintain current library hours, staff, collections, and programs, while also supporting upkeep of the historic library building.
A NO vote could lead to reduced hours, fewer materials, limited programs, and postponed building maintenance.
More information, visit:
For questions, please contact:
Darren Hoerner, Director, Lopez Island Library
darren@lopezlibrary.org, 360-468-2265