Fife voters will decide in November whether to increase their property taxes to pay for a library. If it passes, Fife no longer would be the largest city in Pierce County without its own library or library branch.

The City Council voted unanimously last week to put a proposal to join the Pierce County Library System on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Two council members had voiced concern previously about asking voters during a recession to raise taxes. But all seven council members opted to let voters decide.

If a simple majority approves, the library system would open a 6,000-square-foot library branch in leased space in Fife on June 1, 2011. It would be located somewhere south of Interstate 5.

Annexing into the Pierce County Rural Library District would cost an estimated 45 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, starting in January 2011. That’s $135 a year for the owner of a $300,000 home.

Fife residents could get library cards as soon as the election is certified and would be able to use any of the 17 libraries in the system.

Then, starting Jan. 1, 2010 in Fife, even before the new tax is collected, the library system would begin:

• Delivering library materials to childcare facilities and those who are home bound.

• Providing book services to Spanish-speaking people.

• Offering its children’s and adult bookmobiles and run a summer reading program.

The tax increase would generate $1 million in the first year, while the cost of the library would be about $1.5 million in the first year, said Neel Parikh, library system director. The start-up costs would be made up over time, she said.

The agreement also calls for the city and library system to develop plans for a permanent branch not smaller than 6,500 square feet.

Voters eventually would have to approve a library system bond measure, according to the agreement.

Parikh said libraries build community and help people learn. They aid businesses by adding to economic vitality and educating the work force.

City Council member Richard Godwin said businesses will pay most of the total tax money while receiving little benefit. He believes voters will conclude, like he has, that the library proposal is a “bad deal.”

“I don’t think we’re getting our money’s worth,” Godwin said. “Our citizens weren’t out there screaming for a library.”

Fife currently reimburses residents who pay for library cards with the cities of Puyallup or Tacoma.

It paid $6,111 to reimburse 80 people in 2008. Puyallup will stop offering the option at the end of this year, said Fife Mayor Barry Johnson.

Libraries offer access to knowledge for everyone, he said. During the summer, they provide a place for students to keep up their reading skills.

“The city has a duty to provide library services to our citizens,” Johnson said.

Steve Maynard: 253-597-8647
steve.maynard@thenewstribune.com