St. Joseph libraries concerned about future funding

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A possible benefit for property owners could cause funding challenges for local libraries.

Discussions about changes in property tax laws in Missouri, highlighted by statewide discussions about the future of the tax, have raised concerns about the future funding stability of libraries statewide, including the two library systems which serve St. Joseph.

St. Joseph is served by two library systems: the St. Joseph Public Library and the Rolling Hills Library. Although both systems have library foundations and private donors who help support them, it's estimated that over 90% of their funding comes from property taxes assessed within boundary lines.

Those lines are set by laws that prevent residents from being "double taxed" for libraries. St. Joseph Public is funded by taxes assessed within the boundary of the 1965 city limits of St. Joseph. Rolling Hills is a county-based system that serves Andrew County and portions of Buchanan County through taxes assessed to properties outside of the 1965 city limits of St. Joseph.

Michelle Mears, the Rolling Hills library director, said its new library, which is projected to open in 2026, is not affected directly by changes in property taxes, but the future of its staffing activities would be.

"Our future operations could well be affected," Mears said. "If we lose a significant part of our funding, who is going to pay the electric bill, and how are we going to pay staff?"

Mary Beth Revels, St. Joseph Public Library Director, echoes those concerns, noting that while no one enjoys paying taxes, libraries are just one of the many community necessities that come from property taxes in Missouri.

"Tax revenues support cities and schools," Revels said. "It also supports libraries, and when that revenue is frozen, then our budget doesn't grow, even though our expenses continue to grow."

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