The Eugene City Council Monday decided to put a 5-year property tax levy on the November ballot to fund expanded library services.
The $2.7 million levy would add back hours to Sunday mornings at the downtown library. It would also restore 22 hours a week at the Bethel and Sheldon branches. Open hours were reduced several years ago because of budget shortfalls.
Eugene Public Library Director Connie Bennett says there was public outcry when those cuts were made.
Bennett: "One of the comments that we heard repeatedly from people was: "Why didn't you tell us that this was a likely consequence? I would have happily paid a little more for an alternative.'"
The levy would also fund more free programs at branch libraries and a mobile van to deliver programs around town. The levy also adds back $300 thousand to the library materials budget for books and technology. Bennett says the levy would cost an average homeowner $3 per month or $36 a year.
