Library Supporters Sign Off on Tax Hike

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Mayor John Peyton's proposal to increase property taxes has an ally in the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library.

The organization's board voted to support the one mill increase that will increase by $97 the tax bill on an average home.

Peyton is proposing a tax hike to avoid having to make cuts topping $40 million. The mayor, in presenting his Fix It Now campaign, said five libraries could be closed unless the city raises more revenue.

SEE THE MAYOR'S FIX IT NOW WEBSITE

Harry Reagan, who is the president of the library organization, says the the city's 21-library system would be harmed by budget cuts.

"There's no alternative; we've got to have this small tax increase to keep the library system going," said Reagan.

Last year, nearly 5 million people visited local libraries, checking out more than 8 million items.

Leonard Jackson says at least once a week he checks out books or videos from the Eastside Branch Library on Harrison Street.

"It would be a great loss to our community," said Jackson, when asked about the impact of losing a neighborhood library.

The mayor's office has not identified which libraries would be closed if he is forced to make budget cuts.

Mayor Peyton, on Monday, July 13, will present his spending plan to the city council.

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