Hatboro Narrowly Approves Library Tax

HATBORO, PA — By a margin of just 14 votes, Hatboro residents on Tuesday approved a new property tax to fund the borough's historic library.

With all precincts reporting, "yes" garnered 512 votes, just edging out the 498 "no" votes for the ballot question.

A special library tax of .55 mills will be dedicated to funding the Union Library Company of Hatboro.

On a home valued at $150,000, the annual tax would be about $82, not taking into account any exemptions that may lower a home's assessed value for tax purposes. Supporters of the referendum say the average homeowner in Hatboro will pay $69.93 annually for the new tax.

It is estimated that the tax would bring in more than $200,000 each year. By comparison, the library received $83,000 in the two most recent borough budgets. Borough council will no longer need to budget that money once the tax is in place.

Supporters of the plan say the library, at 243 S. York Rd., will be able to modernize, upgrade its current offerings and stay open more hours each week with the tax. The library's current funding, from Hatboro's borough council, hasn't always kept up with expenses, they say.

The Union Library Company was formed in 1755, with 38 original subscribers. It is the third-oldest library in Pennsylvania and the second-oldest to be operating under its original charter

Through the years, the library was moved from building to building until arriving at its current location in 1849. The library building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.