Advertisement

KY Libraries Can Raise Taxes Without Voter OK

KY Libraries Can Raise Taxes Without Voter OK
Advertisement
By The Associated Press
Mar. 20, 2015 | FRANKFORT, KY
By The Associated Press Mar. 20, 2015 | 02:10 PM | FRANKFORT, KY
The Kentucky Court of Appeals has ruled that most public libraries can raise taxes by 4 percent each year without asking taxpayers for permission.

A state judge ruled in 2013 that more than 30 years' worth of tax increases by local libraries was illegal because they were not approved by voters in a referendum. The decision would have stripped 60 percent of the operating budgets of 99 public library systems across the state.

But the Court of Appeals reversed that decision on Friday, ruling a state law passed in 1978 exempts library officials from seeking voters' approval before raising taxes up to 4 percent. The court also relied on common sense, arguing that the state's public libraries followed the law for 30 years and reversing course would adversely affect them.
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT