White Oak Library Referendum Defeated For 4th Time

WILL COUNTY, IL — According to unofficial Will County vote totals, voters heading to the polls in Romeoville, Lockport and Crest Hill once again voted down a referendum question that would allow the White Oak Library District to increase its hours of operation, offer additional services to senior citizens and create a digital media lab. The limiting rate increase would have cost the average resident an additional $1.40 per month, according to the library district.

The referendum marks the fourth time in two years the library district asked voters for an increase to boost hours of operation. Previous referenda in April 2017, November 2016 and March 2016 were voted down by residents.

Illinois Primary Election 2018 Races

The question that appeared on the ballot Tuesday asked: "Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the White Oak Library District, Will County, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.0306% above the limiting rate for levy year 2016 and be equal to 0.218% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2018?"

RESULTS - with 100 percent of Will County precincts reporting

Yes – 46.19% (4,577 votes)

No – 53.81% (5,333 votes)

The ballot question asked voters to approve an operating rate increase that would allow the Romeoville, Lockport and Crest Hill libraries to expand their hours:

• Sunday: Open an hour earlier (current hours 1 to 5 p.m.)
• Monday-Thursday: Open an hour earlier and stay open a half-hour later (current hours 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
• Friday: Open an hour earlier, stay open tow hours later (current hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Saturday: Open an hour earlier (current hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

The increase would also have allowed the library to create a digital media lab where residents and business owners could transfer VHS to DVD, restore family photos, create promotional materials, record podcasts, film videos, compose music and more.

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