Chicago Passes $83.4 Million Tax Increase for Libraries

Lynn Blumenstein -- Library Journal, 11/20/2007

Chicago mayor Richard Daley has maintained his position as a strong advocate for public libraries, as the city council on November 13 approved by a 40–10 vote his proposal for the city’s largest property tax increase ever—$83.4 million to build and maintain the city’s libraries. The property tax increase will build or renovate a minimum of ten libraries and also will secure for the first time a dedicated source of funding. The average homeowner will pay an additional $60 more annually.

While councilors approved a total of $193.1 million in other tax, fine, and fee increases, but libraries topped his list as “the most important place for children,” Chicago Public Library (CPL) commissioner Mary Dempsey said. Daley scaled back his initial proposal of $108 million, but Dempsey said the approved amount was “more than sufficient to meet our needs,” calling the funds “a designated source that will grow as city resources grow."

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