Voters Approve Library Levies in Burley, Salem Amid Budget Pressures

Several communities have recently voted to approve levies aimed at funding public libraries and related services. Burley voters passed a two-year override levy covering over half of the Burley Public Library's operational costs, costing homeowners approximately $28 per $100,000 of assessed value annually. Salem voters approved a five-year local option levy expected to generate $76.4 million, supporting the Salem Public Library, parks, and Center 50+, thereby preventing significant layoffs and service reductions. The Salem levy will increase property taxes by roughly 98 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or about $220 per average home annually. Stayton residents considered a five-year library levy that would raise $2.6 million to maintain and improve library operations, with a tax impact of 56 cents per $1,000 assessed value. Additionally, Polk County residents are deciding on a levy to fund operations and repairs at the Polk County Fairgrounds, projected to raise $6.5 million over five years for upgrades and maintenance.