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On Nov. 4, 2025, voters will have the opportunity to consider proposed Measure 34-345 that would fund public library services in Washington County. Since 2006, library service has been partially funded by a voter-approved levy. Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) is the primary source of funding for public library operations across the county. About 45% of WCCLS funding currently comes from a local option levy that will expire in June 2026. The current levy rate is 22 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. If passed, Measure 34-345 would cost property owners 37 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value starting in July 2026. If passed, Measure 34-345 would fund: Reading and learning support for kids & teens Central services that efficiently link libraries together Open hours and access to books & materials Reading events for children
If passed, how would Measure 34-345 affect taxpayers? If passed, the proposed measure would authorize an increase in property taxes. The proposed measure would cost property owners 37 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. The tax would continue from July 2026 through June 2031. The owner of a home assessed at $348,600 would pay approximately $129 per year, or $10.75 per month. This amount would be an increase of $4.55 per month, compared to the current levy. The proposed measure would raise $188,915,688 between July 2026 and June 2031.
What would happen if Measure 34-345 does not pass? If the proposed measure does not pass, library services would not be provided as proposed and property taxes would not be increased. Reductions in library hours, book purchases, and reading events would occur. To learn more, please visit wccls.org/levy
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