A new petition called “Preserve Funding for Washoe County Libraries” is now making the rounds after WC-1 failed, getting less than 48% of yes votes.
According to the wording on ballots a "yes" vote supported adopting a property tax of $20 per $100,000 of assessed value for 30 years to fund the acquisition, improvement, and maintenance of library facilities in Washoe County.
Library proponents have complained the question was unclear, since property taxes won’t be changing due to the no vote, rather automatic allocation to our county libraries will disappear.
A reader wrote us the following “With ballot question WC-1 being turned down, the library system could lose $5 million in funding. It seems that lots of people were confused by the wording of the question and didn't realize voting NO would decrease library funds.
I have a petition for the county commissioners and the link is here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeGZwu73ZG1G0.../viewform
The library budget will now be controlled by the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners, with fears there will need to be drastic cuts in staff, book budgets and technology.
The petition indicates: “We, the undersigned residents of Washoe County, urge the County Commissioners to ensure the Washoe County Library System continues to receive the same level of funding it has been allocated through the property tax override since 1994. With the failure of ballot measure WC1, the two cents per $100 of assessed property value will no longer be designated specifically for the library. While these funds will now go into the county’s general fund, we ask that you prioritize maintaining this critical funding for our library system.
The failure of WC1 was due, in part, to the misleading wording of the ballot question, which caused many voters to believe this was a new tax or a tax increase. In reality, this was a renewal of an existing tax that has been in place for 30 years. This misunderstanding likely swayed the outcome, despite the broad support our community has for the library system.
For decades, the Washoe County Library System has used this funding to expand and sustain vital community resources. It allowed for the construction of the Northwest Reno, South Valleys, Incline Village, and Spanish Springs libraries, as well as significant renovations to branches in Sparks and downtown Reno. This funding has ensured robust services, even during difficult economic times like the Great Recession.
Our libraries are one of the last free, public resources available to all residents, regardless of income. They provide access to books, technology, educational programs, and community spaces, making them essential “third spaces” where people can learn, connect, and grow outside of home and work.”
Our Town Reno Citizen’s Forum, November 2024