Most in Multnomah County support creating a library taxing district, poll finds

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

By Nikole Hannah-Jones, The Oregonian 

Most Multnomah County voters support creating a taxing district to fund the library system, according to a recent poll, making it more likely than ever a measure will be placed on the November ballot. 

A poll of 400 likely voters by Portland's DHM Research found broad support for a new tax. While support was highest among Democrats, independents and Portland residents, a majority of Republicans and county residents outside the city also expressed favor for a permanent tax. 

"If what we heard was this resounding 'Are you crazy!' we would have weighed that in our decision" to pursue a district, said library director Vailey Oehlke. "From where I sit, this sort of reaffirms what we've known for years, that this community really appreciates and supports our libraries." 

Voters last November overwhelmingly agreed to let the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners consider such a district. Now, the library system and its 19 branches are mostly funded by a five-year levy, passed by voters in 2006, and by the county's general fund. Critics say that leaves the nation's busiest library system vulnerable to devastating cuts. 

Elsewhere in the state, 25 libraries or library systems, including Clackamas County's, are funded by special taxing districts. 

Oehlke will brief the commissioners June 21 on costs and impacts for what she calls a "historic decision." County Chairman Jeff Cogen said the board will most likely decide whether to pursue a levy or district by the end of July. 

"This is an important piece of information and very encouraging," Cogen said of the poll. "It's absolutely a good thing if we can create stable, reliable funding. I'm inclined to support this." Read more >>