WHY IS PUBLIC LIBRARY FUNDING DIFFERENT FROM OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING?
Public libraries in New Jersey were established by a referendum of the voters. With the referendum, libraries receive a dedicated amount of funding to operate each year. Libraries are not mandated by state government but rather created by the people. Because libraries are established by the voters their dedicated funding should not be included in the levy cap legislation. HOW IS PUBLIC LIBRARY FUNDING DETERMINED? Funding for public libraries is linked to property values. Since 1884, the dedicated portion of the municipal budget which must be reserved for library purposes has always been 1/3 of a mil. Therefore, wealthier communities with high property values will pay a higher per capita cost for their libraries but the required rate is the same for all communities. In addition, when a community receives new ratables such as a new shopping center or a new housing development, the library budget will increase to reflect this new growth. ISN’T A 1/3 OF A MIL A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY?
Related Questions
- How is a partnership with the Inland Library Network different than being a part of the Los Angeles County Public Library?
- Has the share of expenses paid by public funding changed for residents with different levels of functional disability?
- How is the Benson Ford Research Center different from my public library?
