Library referendum. What would it cost you?

This November township residents will decide if a new levy should be established exclusively to support the Lower Macungie Township Library. Note, the library is a grant-funded organization. Though they get a substantial yearly allocation, they are a separate entity from the township. This is the same as LMYA and the Fire Dept. Note: Commissioners as a board do not take a position for or against. However, I want to make sure residents have all the information they need to make an informed opinion.

The first and most basic question is, how much will this cost?  The answer depends on if you are enrolled in the homestead program. To qualify you must own your home, and it has to be your primary residence. Most eligible residents are enrolled. If your not sure contact the County assessment office. Give them your address and they can tell you if you are enrolled. If not they will send you the simple form to enroll.

Most eligible homeowners in Lower Mac are utilizing this program. Commissioners enacted it a few years ago. It significantly reduced your current general township tax bill which is the lowest of any suburban community in Lehigh County.

The same would happen with the proposed library levy should the referendum pass. The chart below shows what your bill would be based on your home assessment. Note, 863 households would pay nothing. Then the cost rises on a sliding scale depending on your assessment. For the median household the bill would be 29.32.