Proposition A would raise library tax levy rate

The Moniteau County Library Board and the Moniteau County Commission have approved Proposition A, a Moniteau County library proposed levy increase, to appear on the April 15 election ballot. If passed, the proposal will raise the tax levy from 10 cents per each $100 evaluation to 12 cents in subdistrict 1, which is the area within the city of California. Board officials stated that the purpose of the measure is to equalize the subdistrict 1 levy with the 12 cent levy presently in place in subdistrict 2, which is most of western Moniteau County.

The increase is expected to raise $9,000. These funds which would be used to offset the loss of state aid to the library. The state aid is not expected to continue.

The City of Tipton has filed a lawsuit in Moniteau County Circuit Court asking that the Moniteau County @Wood Place be declared unlawful. The lawsuit also asked that all County Library Board members who do not reside in western Moniteau County be removed from office.

The Price James Library in Tipton is a private entity owned by the City of Tipton.

The next court hearing is scheduled for March 18.

"This ballot measure is a statement of confidence in the future of Moniteau county Library by the Library District Board and the Moniteau County Commission, which I hope will be shared by voters in the City of California on April 5," said Library Board President Marian Gish.