By Christian Coffman

NATCHEZ — Concordia Parish voters will consider the renewal of an 8.5-mill tax for the next 10 years to fund the Concordia Parish Public Library.

The referendum is Saturday.

Librarian Amanda Taylor said the millage is a property tax renewal for 10 years to generate funds for three branches and one bookmobile.

Taylor said the library property tax has been in effect for 20 years and if it is renewed the millage will be in effect for another 10 years. If renewed, parish residents will continue to fund the library with no increase.

“It will be for 30 years for the same amount of money,” Taylor said. “It’s the same millage, we’re not increasing anything, just renewing it. The millage is 95 percent of our budget. We have to pass it in order to continue.”

The library has been supported since 1928 by a dedicated property tax, Taylor said.

“The public library has many facets but one of them is working with the board and the children of the parish,” Taylor recently told the Concordia Parish School Board.

The property tax will apply to all property owners unless their houses are valued at less than $75,000, Taylor said.

The millage, if voted in, will go into effect on the 2018 tax rolls.

More than 12,000 residents use the Concordia Parish Library with a library card, Taylor said.All registered voters of Concordia Parish may vote at their regular polling places. Citizens of the parish who are looking for more information may call their Registrar of Voters office at 318-336-7770.