Too soon to increase taxes for Cedar Rapids libraries

We supported the ballot measure last fall that would have authorized a 27-cent property tax levy to fund the city's two outstanding public libraries. Unfortunately, voters didn't see it our way, and handily defeated the measure.

It was a disappointing but clear result. Most voters who showed up didn't want a tax increase to fund library operations, despite warnings from backers that defeat would mean curtailed hours and other cuts in programming. And in the wake of that vote, spending reductions have been made.

It's been only five months since the vote and even less time since those reductions, including reduced hours at the westside Ladd Library and the downtown central library. Patrons and the community have hardly had time to take stock of any effects.

And yet, some city leaders, including Mayor Ron Corbett, already are floating the idea of a 15-cent property tax increase phased in over five years to fund library operations. It's an increase that could be approved by the city council and would not need voter approval.

We strongly support our libraries. But we can't support a tax increase for libraries that would sidestep voters after they so soundly defeated the levy proposal.

It's simply too soon to be discussing a tax increase, even if it wouldn't take effect until next year. The effects of library budget woes have yet to sink in, or stir much in the way of public reaction. The case for a tax increase last fall failed to sway voters, and a new, more compelling case has yet to be made.

Last fall's defeat should have prompted city officials to get creative and innovative with scarce resources, rather than searching for a way to simply raise taxes and get around voters. Instead of skipping another vote, they should be considering whether voters might support a more modest levy proposal in 2017.

Those voters need more information about how current funding is insufficient, and what steps staff have taken to pinch every penny they do have.

Have all opportunities for greater efficiencies been explored? Have new sources of revenue been considered? Are there opportunities for savings through more regional cooperation? All of this should be explored before turning to a tax increase. And if those paths do lead to the need for more tax revenue, the final verdict should be up to voters.

' Gazette editorials reflect the consensus opinion of The Gazette Editorial Board. Share your comments and ideas with us: (319) 398-8469; editorial@thegazette.com