Jefferson County Court House

'We got eaten up': Jefferson County Library bond measure fails

PORT TOWNSEND, voters defeated a bond issue that would have funded $ 8.4 million to $ 9 million needed to expand the library offered.

Those rejecting the measure cast 4059 votes, or 54.46 percent, while supporters cast 3394 votes, or 42.14 percent.

A qualified majority - 60 percent plus one vote - would have been required to pass the measure.

"We ate," said Ray Serebrin Library Director, after he and Meredith Wagner, Assistant Director, received the results.

"We're not going back to [Results Tuesday night] that."

If it had been approved, the measure would have raised property taxes $ 44 a year for 20 years for a house valued at $ 250 000, which is the average value of homes in the district library.

It would have been used to renovate and expand the Main Library in Port Hadlock, adding 9700 square feet to existing building 10,000 square feet, which will also undergone extensive renovations.

Serebrin said he was shocked by the results and I felt a poor economy contributed to the defeat.

He said that the issues that prompted the measure still exist.

"We are always overcrowded and have a need to expand services," he said.

"I will be meeting with the board so that we can explore what other options we have."

Davis Steelquist of Quilcene had opposed the measure, saying in July that the library needed upgrade, but he did not approve the process.

"I think they should do their research first and know how much it will cost, then bring the plan to voters," he said.

The total number of ballots counted Tuesday - which included ballots for a race in Port Townsend City Council - have been 9901, or 45.36 percent, to 21,827 issued, said Karen Cartmel, Chief Deputy Auditor and Coordinator elections.

She said her office had any left on hand, but expects to receive about 600 ballots, either by mail or in the library Jefferson County and Jefferson County Courthouse drop boxes this morning.

Counting of ballots will be next Friday at noon.

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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or Charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.

Richard, interesting question. With printed books, libraries have bought and royalties were paid.

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