Extra Funds from Library Building Project Will Help Lower Property Taxes

With construction and remodeling of all Jackson County Libraries completed under budget, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners signed an order today allowing the Jackson County Administrator to transfer the remaining balance from the library construction funds into the library debt service funds. The excess money, approximately $800,000, is moving into debt service funds so the County can reduce the amount of property taxes needed to pay off the related debt. 
"Because of prudent fiscal planning and project management, we are pleased to announce that all libraries have been constructed or remodeled as planned below budget, and the result is lowered taxes for our citizens," said Dennis C.W. Smith, Jackson County Commissioner. "The public voted to improve a community resource in our library system, and put their trust in County government to complete this important task. We are proud to have exceeded expectations in delivering upon that mandate."
The funds being transferred are dedicated funds and cannot be used for library services such as extending library hours, buying more books or adding other library programs.
In 2000, Jackson County residents voted for a $38.9 million bond measure to rebuild 14 library branches. Jackson County officials had spent the two previous years assessing the needs of each branch prior to the bond measure going to voters. The County assessed the size of each branch, types of materials needed, and factored in expected inflation to come up with an accurate estimate of cost per square foot. Jackson County officials worked closely with contractors of each library project to ensure each was completed within budget. In addition, the bonds were refinanced at more favorable interest rates which lowered taxes by $2.1 million over their life.
"It is always Jackson County Government's goal to complete projects on time and on, or under, budget," said Jack Walker, Jackson County Commissioner. "With losses of state and federal funding, we have worked effectively to become more efficient while also offering excellent sustainable services."
"Because of the hard work by the Board of Commissioners, the County Administrator, Budget Committee, staff, contractors, private citizens and the community, we are able to reduce the amount of taxes collected necessary to pay off the bonds. As Commissioners, that is one of our most important accomplishments because it directly benefits our citizens financially during a difficult economic time," said Dave Gilmour, Jackson County Commissioner.
Jackson County has already created a $24 million savings over a five-year span by outsourcing operation of the libraries to Library Systems and Services LLC, and reduced taxes by $4.2 million countywide with the early completion of the Urban Renewal Special Levy.
For more information, please contact Danny Jordan, Jackson County Administrator, at (541) 774-6003.cell phone spy software mobile phone mobile phone softwares cell phone softwares