DENVER (KDVR) — City of Denver voters will likely get to decide on whether to increase property taxes in order to help Denver Public Libraries.
The measure passed an initial vote last night.
The goal is to have the choice be on the November ballot where voters will decide whether to increase property taxes to fund the library.
Here’s what it’s going to cost you: The increase is $1.5 million, which equates to at most $36 million — meaning about $4.19 per month for the average home starting in 2023.
This is where the library said the money would go:
- Money will go to increase pay for librarians
- Increase technology for those who lack internet access
- Enhance programs for youth, older adults and other vulnerable groups
- Return the library to normal hours and possibly expand hours tonight and on weekends
Here’s a breakdown of those funds:
- $11.3 million for communities, which they say would increase program and technology
- $15.2 million for spaces – saying most of it would go to maintenance and $5 million would be for people to increase wages for current librarians and train new ones
There will be another public comment period before a final vote on Aug. 22.