Palatine Residents Support Library Referendum

A new residents' group has formed to support Palatine Public Library's April 2019 referendum initiative. The group, Yes Committee Palatine Library, is seeking volunteers to help spread the word about the referendum.

The Library seeks voter approval for a rate increase of 0.075, or $4 per month per median household--about the cost of a Big Mac. The funds will allow the Library to fix an aging roof, replace inefficient lighting and repair failing HVAC systems without cutting back on hours, services or new materials. These necessary repairs are estimated at $5.8 million, more than 85 percent of the Library’s current annual budget. The increase, if approved, would raise annual median taxes by $52.

The Library Board has been good stewards of the Palatine Library and has not requested an operating referendum in its 44-year history as a taxing district. In 1991, the Library did receive voter approval for a capital referendum to build the main library—the 20-year bonds issued for construction were paid off in 2011. The main Library is now 25 years old with its facilities aging past the initial life expectancy. In addition, rising costs of insurance, utilities, books and materials mean that the Library’s expenses will exceed revenues in about five years.

The Yes Committee comprises residents and business and community leaders who value Palatine Library’s contributions to all members of our community. Palatine Library makes Palatine a better place to live and work. We stand with the Library in seeking approval from voters on April 2, 2019.

To volunteer, please contact the Yes Committee: libraryyespal@gmail.com.

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