Castle Rock library too close to call
Wednesday, November 8, 2006 6:59 AM PST
By Barbara LaBoe
Printable version
E-mail this articleThe Castle Rock Library levy vote was too close to call based on unofficial results Tuesday night, meaning a tense wait for the final numbers.
The measure had a 58.2 percent approval, or 129 votes, in early returns, but it needs 60 percent to pass. The no votes, as of 10 p.m., were 91, or 41 percent.
Since the fall of 2000 -- when city funding was cut -- voters have been asked to approve an annual library levy to keep the doors open and the books and computers available. Without it, city officials said the future of the library would be in jeopardy. Even with the levy, part-time librarian Vicki Selander relies on donations for all new book purchases.
The levy has never failed.
Castle Rock has 1,040 registered voters but it's unknown how many voted in the all-mail election. Results aren't official until the Nov. 28 canvassing, but unofficial tallies should be available later this week.
Selander could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.
The levy isn't a new tax, it replaces the previous one. It would raise $41,237 for the library, whose proposed 2007 budget is $41,000. If approved, the levy would cost the owner of a $150,000 home $73.50 a year.
Past Month's Most Commented Stories