RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Some Washoe County residents are urging county commissioners to preserve funding for local libraries after WK1 failed to pass last week’s election.

Their push comes as news of the initiative’s failure is expected to leave the library system in precarious financial condition in the future, as it means the two cents per $100 of assessed property value will no longer be earmarked specifically for the library. That money goes to the province’s general resources.

Residents believe the failure of WC1 was partly due to what they said was misleading wording of the ballot question, which led voters to believe this was a tax or a tax increase rather than a renewal of an existing tax.

“Our libraries are one of the last free public resources available to all residents, regardless of income. They provide access to books, technology, educational programs, and community spaces, making them essential “third spaces” where people can learn, connect, and grow outside of home and work. Without this funding, the library system faces a devastating $5 million budget cut. This could result in reduced hours, limited programming, layoffs and more – disproportionately impacting those in our community who rely most on these services, including children, seniors and low-income families,” the residents wrote in their initiative to the financing.

You can find their initiative here.

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