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Parish votes on library tax today
Published Saturday, July 19, 2008
VIDALIA — Concordia Parish voters will head to the polls today to vote on the renewal of the 10-year, 8.5-mil library tax.
Without that millage, which provides approximately 93 percent of the library’s funding, the three branches of the library would only be able to continue to operate for another seven or eight months, Head Librarian for the Concordia Parish Library Amanda Taylor said.
That would mean that Vidalia resident Peggy Moncrief, who was searching for a Billy Graham book about angels at the Vidalia branch of the library Friday, just wouldn’t be able to read as many books if library was closed.
“I usually use the library about twice a month,” Moncrief said. “I used to buy books, but now I’m on a reduced income, and books are fairly expensive.”
While the library receives some grants and personal donations, those monies are only enough to fund the extra community events — such as concerts — the library hosts, Taylor said.
Though Taylor is confident the millage will pass, she is afraid that there will be a low voter turnout.
“People are not used to — on the hot summer days of July — going to the polls,” Taylor said.
So far, 96 in-person early votes have been cast in the election and 35 mail-in votes have been cast, Concordia Parish Registrar of Voters Golda Ensminger said.
“That is about normal for a proposition election,” Ensminger said.
Future plans for the library include renovating two rooms at the old Vidalia courthouse for library use, changing the library’s automated system to a Web-based application and updating the Clayton branch of the library, Taylor said.
Voting hours are from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at local voting precincts.
Comments
Posted by MisterLakeStJohn (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 2:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They are trying to pass this as a property tax. Why should property owners be responsible for this? Are property owners the only citizens that use the library? No, all citizens have access to the library. Therefore, this should be a sales tax.
Vote Against This!
Posted by emp (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MisterLakeStJohn, everyone pays property tax in some way. First, average home owners won't pay property tax if they file homestead exemption and their house/property value is less than $75,000. Rental properties are not eligible for homestead exemption so the owners must pay this tax. Those taxes are taken into account when the landlord determines the cost of the rent. Therefore, the renter is actually paying the tax. Businesses pay the tax and pass that expense on to the consumer in the prices of goods and services. Factories pass the tax expense on in the cost of whatever they are producing just like they pass on expenses for office supplies and everything else.
Therefore, property tax is paid by everyone in indirect ways. The library is very important to the community and to the schools. It is an educational tool that is used by many people and is available to all people. This is a renewal of a very small tax. No one will see a tax increase from this. VOTE FOR THE LIBRARY!!!!!!!!
Posted by MisterLakeStJohn (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok...emp, everyone should pay this including the people whose house value is less than 75,000 that have taken an exemption. Don't they use the library? There you go, everyone does, so everyone should be taxed.
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MisterLakeStJohn, it is obvious that you did not understand what emp was saying.
In an indirect way even those people who have homestead exemption pay for this tax by using and buying the services and goods. So in the end EVERYBODY is paying on this this tax in one form or the other.
I think it is very uncharitable of you not to want to do your part in educating those less fortunate than you. If you are complaining about having to pay taxes on your property then you must be one of the fortunate ones who have property valued over the $75K.
I don't mind doing my part on this and I personally think it is one of the best programs our taxes are spent on.
VOTE YES !!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Username (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would not mind giving my part at my choice. BUT... considering that this tax could ultimately be enforced by jail and/or seizure of my property,I have no choice but to vote NO!
Posted by emp (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you for clearing that up, jammin1. Its nice that we agree on something for a change. :)
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL emp, I was thinking the same thing. :)
Username, You have already been paying this tax for the past 10 years, so how is it going to effect you any differently if you vote for it?
This is not a new tax nor has it been increased. It is simply a renewal.
It has benefited this Parish more than any of the other taxes you pay.
Posted by Username (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I never said that this tax will or has had an effect on me.
I'm just syaing the reason I voted no is because I DO NOT support taking other peoples money or property by force or siezure.
I'm sure this tax will be renewed but think about this, Where would the money come from if it didn't pass?Don't think that the library would just close down.
I can see it now ,a sign on the door that reads--- "The Concordia Library has lost it's funding! please use GOOGLE"
Posted by emp (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 9:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Looks like it passed overwhelmingly. http://www400.sos.louisiana.gov:8090/cgi...
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 9:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That is just what would have happened Username. Our Library board is not funded by anything other than this tax and a grant here and there. 93% of the funding comes from this millage. This covers all of the Libraries in this Parish, not just one. Also none of the board members are paid for their participation. Yes it would have closed the doors of the Libraries.
Anyway it is a moot point, because I just heard that the tax was renewed. Good Job Concordia Parish!!!!!
Posted by MisterLakeStJohn (anonymous) on July 20, 2008 at 3:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Indirect way? Ha, never heard that before... Well I guess the people that pay property tax are paying twice. Once in a direct way and another in an indirect way. This should have been changed to a sales tax where everyone could pay for this. If the more successful people's tax money wasn't used for everything, maybe everyone would have to work and pay for things that are just handed to them.
Posted by vilou (anonymous) on July 20, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to know how this city, state and country would operate without the citizens having to pay tax. The library renewal tax is needed so everyone can have the opportunity to have access to books . Everyone does not own a computer to Google what they need to know. I for one am glad to do my part to bring knowledge to everyone.
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