Upcoming Sno-Isle Libraries Operations Levy

EASC’s Board of Trustees has voiced their strong support for the 23 communities across Snohomish County that Sno-Isle Libraries serve and are asking citizens to vote “yes” on a library operations levy in the upcoming special election on April 24.
Our mission, as a catalyst for economic vitality in Snohomish County, is to help ensure a robust economy by growing and retaining jobs and developing key economic assets. There is no better way to ensure that economic opportunities in our community are available to everyone, regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status, than supporting our local libraries.
Affirmation of these measures by voters will benefit our community by:
• Maintaining the levels of service Sno-Isle offers to our communities through at least 2025
• Ensuring that everyone in our community has access to educational and small business resources offered by our Sno-Isle Libraries
• Preparing students for success in school and beyond, ensuring the future workforce in our communities
Just like public schools and fire departments, our library district depends upon a levy to operate. Voters in Snohomish and Island counties are being asked to consider a 9-cent increase in the library operations levy. If the measure is approved, the total rate will be 47 cents per $1,000 assessed property value. This proposed property tax increase is not as large as recent school district levies, and you can calculate your estimated library tax. If the levy does not pass, our community will see Sno-Isle Libraries reduce the hours they are open, reduce library staff positions, purchase fewer materials resulting in longer wait times for popular items, and a decrease in classes and services.
Sno-Isle Libraries serve nearly 750,000 residents, as well as those that use their online services and their Library on Wheels program. With the changes in technology over the past decade, Sno-Isle has been at the forefront of adopting new technologies ensuring that those without access to smart phones and computers are not left behind. The library has and always will be a safe place to meet with friends and your local community groups.
As part of our recent five-year business plan update, EASC surveyed our investors and community leaders to better understand the current challenges facing employers in our county. The top concern for employers was finding qualified workers. Whether it’s aerospace, life sciences, clean technology or IT, a talented workforce is one of our greatest assets to attract and retain high quality, high wage jobs in Snohomish County. Sno-Isle Libraries fosters a love for learning and is committed to supporting STEM learning in our youth. Sno-Isle Libraries also offers a variety of services for small business owners from how to start your business, business mentoring, entrepreneur classes, and a host of other services that supports our economy’s foundation.
Snohomish County continues to see strong growth and projections show that this trend will continue far into the future. Many of us who live here are benefiting from this prosperity through increased business revenues, income and property values. Supporting the Sno-Isle Libraries operating levy is a sound investment that benefits all in our community.
We urge you to vote “yes” on or before April 24.