By Tim Schmidt Record Managing Editor Voters in a three-county area, including Warren, narrowly approved a 10-cent tax levy increase Tuesday for the Scenic Regional Library. The measure was approved in Warren County by 52.95 percent of the vote in favor of the levy increase, with 47.05 percent opposed. The vote total was 1,618 to 1,438, according to unofficial results. A simple majority was needed for passage. Scenic Regional operates seven branches in Warren, Franklin and Gasconade counties. The lone branch in Warren County is located on South Highway 47 in Warrenton. Library officials said a second branch would open in the county if the levy passed. In addition, the increased funding will allow Scenic Regional to provide new and more materials, longer service hours and expanded programs. Currently, the Warrenton branch stays open as late as 8 p.m. on two nights during the week, but is only open for six hours on the weekends. The library is closed on Sundays. Scenic Regional has been operating on the same 10-cent levy since it was formed in 1959. The Missouri State Library Association recommends a library operate at a 20-cent or higher tax levy to be able to provide adequate service. The tax increase is estimated to cost a property owner an additional $27.50 a year (based on a $110,000 property). In Franklin County, the 10-cent tax levy was narrowly approved. The vote was 3,753 for the hike, while 3,426 opposed it. Voters in Gasconade County, meanwhile, cast 1,378 ballots in favor and 743 against. Scenic Regional Library Director Steven Campbell said he did not expect the tax levy to pass in each of the three counties this election. “I’m a little surprised. I knew it would be tough to get it passed in this economy,” he said. “We’re really excited here.” Campbell added that the support in Warren and Gasconade counties was better than anticipated. “I knew we had a chance or we wouldn’t have tried,” he said. Library officials will begin looking at properties and architectural designs for expansion of facilities until revenue comes in late this year and early next year. “That way we can hit the ground running,” Campbell said. The measure was approved by only 97 votes in Franklin County, and by larger margins in Warren and Gasconade counties. “I’ll take it if it was just by one vote,” Campbell said.
Scenic Regional Library tax hike passes
