Library property tax increase

New resident from Washington state warned about cumulative tax creep — he paid $1,400/month in property taxes before moving — and asked the council to debate each cost element rather than pass a blank check.

Five-year resident argued community investment justifies the tax, quoting Jefferson and saying he'd rather fund the library than send money to Amazon.

A ten-year resident who's never used the library supported the staffing fix but questioned whether Libby should continue at public expense.

Retired teacher and literacy specialist recalled the pre-library bookmobile days and urged a yes vote, calling the increase low-cost and high-impact.

Twelve-year library supporter noted the library serves Cedar Hills and Alpine residents too, and defended physical books over internet reading.

Library board member said the funding problem has been discussed for five years and called the increase prudent and responsible, not knee-jerk.

Suggested alternative revenue ideas: Libby advertising, Wikipedia-style donation drives, and Friends of the Library wish-list campaigns.

Ninth-grade English teacher who reads 150 books a year said early literacy is declining in Utah and the library is essential; she chairs the library board foundation.

A 74-year-old, 43-year resident praised the senior programs, daily Libby use, and the inter-library delivery, saying driving to other libraries is no longer possible for him.

Young father and military veteran said the military itself uses Libby and called the increase far cheaper than Audible or Kindle Unlimited subscriptions.

The American Fork courier who delivers books warned about a 'slippery slope' of ever-escalating taxes and said the city should work up to TLC funding gradually.

Substitute teacher said everyone supports the library but opposed any tax increase on principle, and worried the council's minds were already made up — asking what catastrophe would follow a no vote.

Urged the city to collect revenue it's letting slip away from land encroachments and to scrutinize contractor spending before raising taxes.

A student speaker said more library and Libby funding would shorten the eight-month wait lists for popular books.

Naturalized citizen praised the council for listening, said taxes are inevitable, and would rather her money fund a safe community space.

28-year resident asked why residents don't get to vote on tax increases, questioned the un-deduplicated attendance figures, and raised concern about a rumored public safety increase.

Mother returning to the library with her toddler praised story time as 'a mini preschool' and said staff desperately need another person.

40-year resident stood up for seniors, asking why large-print books disappeared and saying if the city can fund a pickleball playground, it can fund the library.

Library board member revealed staff start below what her teenage son earns at Slim Chickens, no merit raises in 18 years, and that federal IMLS funding for Libby was shut down and passed to cities.

Married into a 34-year Highland family; praised the city's responsiveness and said her kids would rather read books than be on screens.

Library board member (and planning commissioner) shared five months of tallying: 649 residents explicitly support the tax, 46 oppose it — and argued Highland's library outperforms every peer while being least funded.

Seven-year resident whose family checks out 200 books a year said the $28 increase covers about two paperbacks — easily worth it.

20-year resident opposed the 50% size of the increase for a non-essential service, and asked that materials she considers inappropriate be shelved in a designated section away from children.

Pointed out the increase costs about the same as three books a year — read three extra library books and it pays for itself.

30-year Army veteran argued Highland already outperforms state medians with low funding — an efficient library — and urged the council to reject the permanent staffing expansion.

30-year resident said it's the wrong time for any tax increase and the city should spend existing money more effectively, pointing to the park construction as an example.

Grandmother raising grandkids called the library 'the great equalizer' and supported the increase for residents from mansion-dwellers to basement renters.