We have had a few questions lately about how much money we get from taxes. This likely comes from the increase in property values. When your property assessments increase, the initial thought is “Ughhhh my taxes are going up.” The assumption to increased property values is that the Library will get more money. Unfortunately, for us we can only increase by a set percentage every year. Each taxing district can increase the generally nonvoter approved property tax revenue received by only 3 percent plus a growth factor for new construction and annexation. Just because your assessed value of your home doubled, that does not mean that your tax money to the Library increased. Actually, your percentage likely decreased. If the rate of increase in property tax revenue is less than the rate of increase in total taxable value of all property within the taxing district, the property tax rate will decrease. We can be forced to decrease, but we are not allowed to increase over the 3%.
To sum it up, in 2022-2023 we will get about $2.53 for every $100,000.00 in home value. If you live within the District you get access to over 15,000 items as well as endless books online through Libby, all for the price of a used book.
I know it is hard to wrap our heads around that our property values have increased and so we assume the Library budget has increased. Simply put; that is not the case.
2021
790 DONNELLY PUBLIC LIBRARY Phone: 208-325-8237
DONNELLY PUBLIC LIBRARY 0.000039594 $ 3.96
2021 Levy Rates by Tax Authority Fund(2)
2022
DONNELLY PUBLIC LIBRARY 0.000025347 $ 2.53
2022 TX002 – Levies By Tax Authority Fund
How did McCall get their Library funded? Voter-approved issues like bonds and overrides may exceed the limitations of that increase and are in addition to the taxation. The McCall Public Library Expansion Bond passed with McCall city resident voters on May 18, 2021. Valley County Election Clerk reports 780 voters took part in the decision, with 608 voting yes on the $4.2M Bond. Their Bond was in addition to their current budget which comes from the City of McCall.
Donnelly is a District Library.
A taxing district is an entity which is authorized by law to levy taxes to provide services to a group of property owners in a particular area. Idaho code 63-3101 defines a taxing district as any county, any political subdivision of the state, any municipal corporation, including specially chartered school districts, any quasi-municipal corporation, or any other public corporation authorized by law to levy taxes. The most well-known taxing districts are school districts, cities, highway districts, cemetery districts and fire protection districts. There are other, less known districts which may include the county fair, historical society, noxious weed control, and the library.
We are governed by an elected Board of Trustees. Although they are elected, they are volunteers. They receive no compensation for their elected position. Trustees have to follow library laws set forth by the State of Idaho. Library Laws
How can we get a bigger Library? We are working on it. Money collected as taxes cannot be used for a new building, or expansion. That is correct, you read that correctly. Tax money collected cannot be used for a new building or expansion. We would have to pass an additional Bond Levy, our plans at present do not include adding a Bond Levy to the Ballot. Our Building Committee is meeting monthly at present. We are moving forward as quickly as we can. We fully recognize the need is immediate. Building Expansion
We invite you to join us. Volunteer for the Building Committee, join our Friends Of The Library, and last DONATE to the Building Fund.
Donnelly Public Library
P.O. Box 403
Donnelly, ID 83615
We are also looking for grants, large donors and community organizations that are willing to help with our project.
If you have questions about your property taxes you can visit the Valley County Treasurer’s website. Valley County Treasure
For questions regarding the Library and our Budget, please feel free to call me here at the Library or email. I am happy to discuss the Library and our budget. [email protected]
I am not a tax expert, but I can hopefully help you to understand the incoming and outgoing income and expenses at the Donnelly Public Library. Together we will work to continue to build a better community.