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KDL seeks renewal of millage at reduced rate

All Districts — The Kent District Library is seeking a millage renewal on Nov. 7 that aims to collectively save taxpayers in the KDL service area about $3.1 million annually.

The 15-year operating renewal would set the millage rate at 1.1 mills, reduced from the current rate of 1.2355. The levy is projected to generate $26.6 million in its first year.

Kent District Library is a proud sponsor of SNN
Kent District Library is a proud sponsor of SNN

According to KDL renewal information, the lower millage rate will collectively save taxpayers $46.5 million over 15 years, and the average homeowner in the KDL service area would pay $145.75 annually for access to library services, which is about $2.80 per week. Library leaders have said there will be no reduction in services if the lower millage rate is approved by voters.

KDL services residents in 27 municipalities through 20 branches, which includes the KDL Kelloggsville branch at Kelloggsville High School. KDL also has a bookmobile, offers more than 5,600 programs and outreach efforts, and hosts services such as in-branch printer/Wi-Fi access, loanable mobile hotspots, early literacy initiatives, and the Talking Book & Braille Center. KDL also helped set-up a satellite branch at the Godfrey-Lee East Campus. 

Werner said that if the renewal is not approved, KDL would probably be forced to close, since 90% of the system’s funding comes from the millage. 

The current millage is through 2024, but if approved, taxpayers will see immediate savings as the KDL Board has committed to lowering the millage rate effective Jan. 1, according to KDL officials. 

KDL is a sustaining sponsor of School News Network.

Read more: 
• Bond proposals, millage renewals up for vote in five districts
• KDL Kelloggsville branch marks fifth anniversary

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Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Joanne Bailey-Boorsma is a reporter covering Kent ISD, Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville, Forest Hills and Comstock Park. The salutatorian for the Hartland Public Schools class of 1985, she changed her colors from blue and maize to green and white by attending Michigan State University, where she majored in journalism. Joanne moved to the Grand Rapids area in 1989, where she started her journalism career at the Advance Newspapers. She later became the editor for On-the-Town magazine, a local arts and entertainment publication. Her eldest daughter is a nurse, working in Holland, and her youngest attends Oakland University. Both are graduates from Byron Center High School. She is a volunteer for the Van Singel Fine Arts Advisory Board and the Kent District Library. In her free time, Joanne enjoys spending time with her family, checking out local theater and keeping up with all the exchange students they have hosted through the years. Read Joanne's full bio

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