Vote YES on 6A & 6B

  In 2017, the voters approved a .85 mill levy increase for the library. This increases the total mill levy to 3.85 mills from 3.0 mills. This extra funding was approved for a period of 10 years. The mill levy is included in your current property tax bill and will end in 2027 unless extended. We are asking the voters to make this increase permanent. In 2026, the amount of the extra tax for a home valued at $500,000 is $26.56.

In return for your trust in 2017, the library made 5 promises to the community and kept every one:

1. Open 7 Days a Week. The library is now open 7 days - here when you needs us.

2. Bigger Collection Than Ever. Through our membership in the Marmot Library Network, including Libby and Kanopy, your library card now unlocks more than 6 million books, DVDs, streaming movies and online lasses. We also started a Library of Things. You can borrow a number of different items and kits from the library, including hiking poles, a mixer, a sewing machine, tools, board games, and more.

3. Bringing the Library to You.  From home delivery and outreach vehicles to Wi-Fi hotspots, we make sure everyone has access to reading, learning, and connection. 

4. Innovative Programs for All Ages. From baby and toddler story times, to "teens tech tech", book clubs and crafternoons, we offer hundreds of programs that connect, inspire and entertain every age. 

5. Building for Today and Tomorrow. We've expanded our facilities with the Library Annex and even offer a dedicated telehealth room in Naturita - building spaces and services to meet community needs now and in the future.

Ballot Issue 6B responds to a 2024 Colorado state law that caps the growth of property tax revenue in special districts (other than schools) to 5.25% annually.  If it takes effect next year, this limit would apply to the entire 3.85 mill levy for the library, putting vital services at risk.

This limit does not apply to a taxpayer’s specific property. Taxes on specific properties will vary by market values in the area. Rather, this is an overall limit for all the property taxes in the entire district. 

This limit applies not only to rising property values but also to new properties added in the district. In 1999, voters approved lifting a similar TABOR cap, which has since allowed library revenue to grow alongside the community. 

Montrose has experienced lots of growth in the last few years. Many people are discovering the benefits of living in the area and have chosen to move here. The Montrose Regional Library District needs to be able grow with the community and expand its collections and services to meet this growth.  

Without 6B, the library faces a $400,000 loss of revenue in 2026, threatening the programs, hours, and services families count on. Voters should decide how much the library is worth to them and not allow politicians in Denver to place arbitrary limits on district revenue. Voters in 2017 decided the library was worth an extra .85 mill levy. Let’s not dilute the power of that mill levy with unnecessary limits.