RENO, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — The Washoe County Library System is preparing for significant budget cuts that will begin next summer after WK-1; the ballot measure to extend a small tax transfer failed Tuesday.

Voters rejected the measure by a margin of 4.4%, which could change slightly as more ballots are processed and counted. But Library Director Jeff Scott said they are already expecting a $4.5 million cut.

In a statement, Scott said the library’s $17 million budget will be reduced to just over $12 million. He expects to have to make cuts to 23 staff members, the entire $1.4 million book budget and $200,000 from the technology budget.

“Washoe County Library System is disappointed with the results of WC-1. This expansion tax, originally implemented in 1994, has helped the library system grow along with the community. It serves the South Valley, Spanish Springs, Northwest Reno and Incline libraries Village has helped us weather the recession and recently helped us improve our public library facilities. This funding was also essential to maintain weekend and evening hours at our branches,” said Scott.

This loss will result in a reduction of public services.

The ‘Renew Washoe Libraries’ initiative sought to extend a tax transfer, which was initially overrun by just 0.1% in 1994, for another 30 years. It was not a new tax; rather, it would have diverted a small percentage of existing tax revenue exclusively to libraries.

The tax transfer currently funnels 2 cents of every $100 in assessed property value to libraries.

The failure of the measure will not reduce your tax bill, but will instead direct those revenues to Washoe County’s general fund, rather than being allocated solely to libraries.

Scott said the proposed cuts will be implemented when the expansion tax expires on June 30, 2025.

I appreciate those who worked to pass WC-1, like Freedom to Read Nevada, and everyday citizens who raised money, knocked on doors, and showed up at board meetings to support our library and our librarians. I want to thank our hardworking employees who provide excellent service to our public every day and whose dedication to helping children learn to read, assisting seniors with technology and providing assistance to those disconnected from services is so vital to the residents of Washoe County. I hope we can continue this great service, albeit in a very limited capacity.

Email reporter Ben Margiott at [email protected]. To follow @BenMargiott on X and Ben Margiott KRNV on Facebook.