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Anti Tax Effects



Anti-Tax Ferver Closed Their Libraries. Now Residents Are Trying to Go It Alone. 

In Oregon, an interesting case study has been discussed. Divergent county and municipal ideals have led to different results for public libraries, with many of them closing. Meanwhile, some communities have taken it upon themselves, attempting to break the norms of what was once considered a public assset. On their own, they have gathered volunteers, sought out books, attempted to rebuild library card subscriptions from scratch, and looked for grants.

In Douglas County, low taxes have been a part of the area for decades, and so when a property tax increase was suggested in 2016, it was rejected. The community at large didn't value the 11 county libraries enough to pay. The price would've been $6 a month for a median priced home in the county. Since that vote, some communities within the have voted to pay for a town library. Some have relied on volunteers. And not surprisingly, the divisions have been marked between more urban and rural areas.

The article is a great example of illustrating the effects of anti-tax sentiments, and how it can affect our day to day lives through community resources. Many communities in Oregon learned a hard lesson from their initial vote, and it's interesting to see the change in communities as they learn that they get what they pay for.

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