Public library districts have proven to be the most efficient and effective way of delivering library service. Districts are able to focus solely on their mission: Delivering high-quality library services to the residents of the communities they serve.
Are there other library districts in Colorado?
Fifty-four (54) or nearly half of Colorado’s 114 public libraries are library districts, including Adams County, Arapahoe County, Douglas County, Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Pueblo City-County Library District, Weld County and Fort Collins / Larimer County. And new library districts are formed nearly every year.
What changes would we see if JCPL becomes a library district?
Patrons would see few if any service changes.
The Library Board of Trustees would continue to oversee finances and policy for the district.
The Library Board of Trustees, rather than the Board of County Commissioners, would set the Library’s mill levy within voter approved limits.
The Tabor limit for the Library’s property tax mill levy would remain the same as it has been since Jeffco voters approved it in 1986.
The Board of County Commissioners would continue to appoint members to the Library Board.
Would property taxes increase as a result of forming a Jeffco Library District?
Only in the year of formation, when the mill levy would be restored to the level it was before the Commissioners began “shifting” the library’s tax levy to other departments. Thereafter, it would take an election to increase the taxes.
