FAQs

The proposal would transition the Hailey and Bellevue Public Libraries from city-funded operations to an independent library district. This creates a stable, dedicated funding source to ensure long-term community service.

A library district is an independent taxing district established under Idaho Law that provides dedicated funding for library services within its boundaries. It is governed by a locally elected board and operates independently from city and county budgets. There are currently 69 library districts operating throughout the state.

Idaho Code Title 33, Chapter 27

Libraries in Hailey and Bellevue have historically been funded through city budgets, where they compete with many other priorities and services.

As our community grows and demand for services increases, this model has become less sustainable.

Nearly 20% of rural Idahoans lack access to library services, the Big Wood River Library District would bridge this gap and would incorporate rural residents in mid and south Blaine County into a shared library system.

Funding would support the core operations of the libraries, including:

• Collections, technology and facilities

• Maintaining and expanding hours

• Programs and services for all ages

The goal is to sustain, strengthen and expand existing services, while allowing for strategic long-term improvements.

The estimated proposed levy is $28 per $100,000 of taxable value (after the Idaho Homeowner’s Exemption).

Estimated annual cost:

• $600K home: about $168/year (~$14/month)

• $850K home: about $238/year (~$20/month)

• $1.3M home: about $380/year (~$32/month)

This rate would establish reliable, locally controlled funding for library services and is well below the maximum rate of $60 per $100,000 allowed under Idaho law.

Idaho Homeowner’s Exemption https://tax.idaho.gov/taxes/property/homeowners/exemption/

Per Idaho Code § 63-802, a library district’s annual budget can only increase 3% per year. Residential development and property appreciation will expand the number of contributors to fund the budget while putting downward pressure on the levy rate individual property owners actually pay.

City funding varies each year based on broader budget needs. This negatively impacts library staffing, hours, and services. The Bellevue Public Library, for example, has faced potential closure due to budget pressures in recent years.

 A library district provides:

• Stable, dedicated funding

• Long-term stability

• Protection from competing budget priorities

When you go to the polls on May 19th, you will see this ballot language:

STATEMENT: The policy of the state of Idaho, as part of the provisions for public education, is to promote the establishment and development of public library services for all people of Idaho. By so declaring the state acknowledges that the ability of its citizens to access information has a critical impact on the state’s educational success, economic development, provision for an informed electorate, and overall quality of life. The purpose of establishment of the Big Wood River Library District is to sustain, integrate, extend, and add to existing library services and resources and to make them available to district residents of all ages. The said district would include the incorporated cities of Hailey and Bellevue and extend library services to rural residents from Greenhorn and East Fork Roads southward to the boundaries of the Little Wood River Library District and borders of Blaine County. The Big Wood River Library District would be created and operated as an independent taxing district. The property tax to fund the district’s budget would be $2,150,000 for tax year 2027 and that would be the base amount used in calculating future property tax amounts to be levied. The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer would be a tax of twenty eight dollars ($28) per one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions.

Shall the Big Wood River Library District be created?
Big Wood River Library District - Yes
Big Wood River Library District - No

The district encompasses the area from Greenhorn and East Fork Roads south to the Blaine County line, including Triumph, Gannett, and Magic Reservoir. It excludes the Little Wood River Library District (Carey and Picabo).

In Idaho, library districts are governed by a voter-elected board of five trustees serving six-year terms. This board has exclusive control over the library’s budget and policies, independent from city councils or county commissioners.

Yes. The priority is to maintain library services in their existing locations, which would become branches of the Big Wood River Library District.

Idaho law recognizes public libraries as an essential part of the state’s education system and community infrastructure. State policy notes that access to information supports educational success, economic development, an informed electorate, and overall quality of life for residents.

For additional information, please contact: libraryproject26@gmail.com

For voting information, visit: voteidaho.gov