City of Derby News Release
Derby Voters Say "Yes" to a New Library
October 17, 2007
In a Special Election on October 16, Derby voters approved a half-cent sales tax for a new Derby library. According to unofficial results by the Sedgwick County Election Office, 63% of voters said “yes” to a half-cent sales tax to fund a new library facility. Final election results will be available on October 19.
The vote follows several years of discussion by the Derby Library Board of Trustees, consideration by the City Council, and a campaign effort by the Committee for a New Derby Library. According to national standards, at 9,000 square feet, the current library facility is undersized to meet Derby’s current or future needs. As Derby continues to experience sustained growth and an expanding reputation as a premier suburban community, a quality library facility will help meet the needs of the area and attract new residents to the community.
The new library will be financed using a half-cent sales tax to begin after the Rock River Rapids aquatic park half-cent sales tax ends, likely in 2010. When originally issued on April 1, 2003, the aquatic park half-cent sales tax was originally projected to end December 31, 2016. Due to favorable city-wide sales tax collections, the sales tax is now anticipated to sunset early, likely in 2010. There will be no additional tax increase for the construction of the library.
The new library will be built at the corner of Walnut Grove and Sumac, just east of Tanglewood Elementary School. The preliminary design includes 36,620 square feet. Anticipated features include a large computer room, community meeting room, more room for books and materials, space for teen activities, children’s reading program and special events, private and/or group study space, genealogy research area and a pick-up/drop-off window. Construction could begin as early as Fall 2008.
More information will be available soon. Check www.derbyweb.com for updates.
Questions or comments? Please email webmaster@derbyweb.com.
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