New Lenox Primary Results: Library Tax Rate Increase Approved

NEW LENOX, IL — New Lenox voters have approved increasing the operating tax rate for the New Lenox Public Library District. The successful referendum will redirect the tax rate which was being used for construction bonds to the tax rate for operations. Due to the redirection, residents will see a zero tax rate change.

3,733 voters said yes to the increase, while 2,840 said no.

"Words cannot begin to describe the amount of gratitude the library staff, board members and I have for our community right now," Library Director Michelle Krooswyk shared on the library Facebook page.

You can find the unofficial results of the referendum question below:

100 percent of precincts reporting:

Yes - 3,741

No - 2,857

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This was the question voters saw on the ballot:

Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the New Lenox Public Library District, Will County, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.0721 percent above the limiting rate for the purpose of general library purposes for levy year 2018 and be equal to 0.2239 percent of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2020?

According to the library website, the library is looking to increase the operating tax, which would allow the library to purchase materials, offer programs and events, pay staff and more.

If the referendum is successful, the library said it will be able to expand and improve services, increased the number of hours open, increase Homebound services and maintain the aging library building.

If the referendum fails, the library said it will have to reduce hours, minimize maintenance of the building, decrease services, limit materials and limit technology.