FORT SMITH (KFSM) - Fort Smith voters turned down a two millage increase to expand the Fort Smith Public Library’s budget in a special election Tuesday (August 12).
1,542 voted for the millage increase, while 2,744 voted against the increase.
The library’s Board of Trustees wanted to increase the current millage from one to three. This would have meant property tax for residents who own a $100,000 home would increase from $20 to $60 annually.
The extra money was slated to expand and enhance the library system. “More books, more DVDs, more computers, and faster internet,” said Library Director Jennifer Goodson.
According to the library’s website, the current budget is stretched as far as it will go. The lack of additional funding means expansion will be at a standstill and growth of services will not be possible.
Goodson said it has been 57 years since a millage increase to support the library system has passed.