Library Tax Renewal FAQ
Q. How long has the library been funded by a property millage?
A. The library has been funded by property millage since February 14, 1942, when the first library millage was passed. It has been continually funded by a property millage since this time.
Q. Is this a new millage?
A. NO. It is a continuation of the current millage for 10 more years.
Q. Who pays the millage?
A. Property owners throughout the parish.
Q. Does homestead exemption apply?
A. Yes. The first $75,000 of home value is tax exempt. The library property millage on a $100,000 home is about $11.15 per year. That is less than the average cost of one new book.
Q. Is this millage proposition an increase?
A. NO. Property owners currently pay 4.46 mills and will continue to pay 4.46 mills. This millage rate has been paid since the property reassessment in 2019. This is $4.46 per thousand dollars of taxable assessed value, after exemptions. The library is not asking property owners to pay a higher percentage than they do now.
Q. Are other funds used to support the library?
A. No. This is the ONLY millage.
Q. What does the millage fund?
A. The needs of all the 6 library facilities: Abbeville, Kaplan, Gueydan, Maurice, Erath and Delcambre. This is the ONE millage that keeps them ALL open and operating.
Q. Does the library try to be cost effective with our millage dollars?
A. Yes. The library actively works to control costs. It also aggressively seeks out grant funding and government cost discounts. Plus, it seeks to generate some revenue through faxing and photocopying for the public.
Q. Do any other Police Jury funds help the library system?
A. No. The library relies solely on its own dedicated millage to meet the needs of its budget.
Q. How do communities benefit from having libraries?
A. Libraries promote literacy, education and help everyone from very young to very old. They also preserve our local history. They also provide a space for citizens to come and be welcomed.
Q. Does the millage really benefit the whole parish?
A. Yes! Here are just a few of the services we offer!
• A collection of print books, DVD’s, print magazines, and print newspapers.
• High quality computers, printers and copiers, fax, high speed Internet and Wifi
• Summer Reading programs with professional performers and prizes for the children
• Interlibrary loan connecting its patrons to books from libraries across the country.
• Access to database resources, including HomeworkLa.org, Heritage Quest and Ancestry.com.
• Free remote access to interactive books and foreign language database
• ALL library card holders in the parish can download eBooks, audiobooks, music, and magazines through the library’s website site from their homes or mobile devices for FREE.
• Website available in other languages with a wide resource of databases, parish links, and other valuable information and resources
• Facilities and equipment to use telehealth resources.
• Free laptop checkouts
• We also offer a variety of resources for homeschool families including Educate Station
The library millage benefits all parish residents, regardless of where they live.
Q. Who can vote?
A. All registered parish voters.
Q. When can they vote?
A. They can vote in early voting at the courthouse starting November 3, 2023, at the courthouse in Abbeville or they can vote in the election at their regular polling places on November 18, 2023.
Q. What will happen if the millage is not passed?
A. The library system will only be able to operate for a very short time on available funds. In the end all citizens will lose access to all services.
Q. What if I want more information?
A. Please call 337-893-2674 or email cbourg@vermilion.lib.la.us