Library referendum levy passes in Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights voters chose last week to build a new library, with 63 percent saying yes to $7 million in bonds to help pay for the project, and to an increase in their property taxes to service the debt.

City Manager Walter Fehst, who had expected the bond question to pass, said construction of the new building should begin next year. It will replace the current library, which dates to the 1960s.

The Election Day vote followed an eventful summer and fall. In June, the Columbia Heights City Council approved the bond issue and the property tax increase, but then citizens conducted a petition drive and got more than 1,300 signatures to put the question on the ballot. Many residents felt a decision of that magnitude should be theirs to make.

Library supporters mobilized. A "Vote Yes! A new library" committee was formed. There was a Facebook page, a Twitter handle and bright green lawn signs in many Columbia Heights yards.

On Election Day, the ballot question was approved with 3,927 votes in favor and 2,348 opposed.

The new building will cost about $8.6 million. About $1.5 million in the city's reserve fund will be combined with the $7 million in 20-year bond money. The bonds mean the owner of a home with a median $116,000 market value, will pay about $54 in additional taxes in 2016 and $38 annually in ensuing years, according to Fehst.

Fehst said the next step will be to pick the location and solicit bids to begin design work for the building. The new site hasn't been approved, but the city has its eyes set on a vacant lot next to the Heights Theater.

Library Director Renee Dougherty and Becky Loader, her predecessor, said they won't miss the 1960s concrete building. Both say it has served its purpose.

"The building was always a challenge to maintain. It has passed its age [for us] to keep it up well," said Loader, who was director from 1978 to 2012. "It's lived its time and it's time to retire and move on."

Gregory Sloat, who was behind the petition drive, said the final outcome wasn't what he hoped for but was glad the residents had their say.

Dougherty said that on Election Day, many residents stopped by the library to tell the staff they voted for the new building. Others sent her e-mails as the final tally concluded the levy's passage, she said.

"I think people are generally excited about it," she said. "This is their library now that there is a sense of ownership."

"I cannot believe it," said Larson, chairman of the task force that determined the city needed a new library. "And 63 percent voluntarily went to the polls and elected to increase their real estate taxes. It's really remarkable."