Election

What is Proposition Library?

On August 8th, Missouri River Regional Library is placing an increase to its operating levy on the ballot for the purpose of renovating and expanding the main library building in Cole County and increasing library collections, services and programs. Proposition Library would result in an average 2.5% property tax increase for most households.

When you go to the polls on August 8th, you will see this language:

Shall the twenty cent ($0.20) per hundred dollars assessed valuation tax for the Jefferson City-Cole County Library District be increased to thirty-five cents ($0.35) per hundred dollars assessed valuation?

Social Media Frame

Want to add your own frame to your profile picture for social media to show that you are part of the next chapter? Check out this tutorial to create your own!

Download the MRRL social media frame

How do I vote?

Election Day is Tuesday, August 8th. Find your voting location.

The last day to register to vote for the August election is July 12, 2023.

Get information on absentee voting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much space is needed?

An extensive programming effort with library staff and leadership showed that the required square footage to achieve strategic goals was 56,400. Only 34,800 square feet are currently built.

How can we get there?

An extensive renovation of the library will be accompanied by a full third story addition on top of the existing structure, (13,700 sf) and a two-story addition to the south (7900 sf). The additions take the square footage up to the required 56,400 sf.

How much will it cost?

Estimates to realize the full renovation + addition are $28.5M.

Can we phase it?

If the project was divided into two phases, the entire library would need to be shut down twice- which is not acceptable because it would be disruptive to the community, as well as create an increased cost. With this in mind, a single construction phase is recommended.

Why not build a new library?

Estimates for a new 56,400 SF facility range from $35M-$38M. The renovation + addition strategy capitalizes on the fact the current facility is in good structural condition, thanks to ongoing maintenance efforts over the years.

How will the library be funded?

The library has been actively saving for years, knowing that some type of improvements would be needed in the future. $4 million is available from that savings. The rest of the funding will come from a property tax increase. (the first for the library since 1964)

How much can you save with the library?

Calculate My Savings

Why is the Library proposing the increase?

The Missouri River Regional Library building has served the Jefferson City and Cole County community well for the last fifty years, but it is finally showing its age. Major upgrades are needed to extend the life of the building and more space is needed for programs and operational improvements. The library has not had an increase in its levy since 1964.

As MRRL considers the practical renovations that must be undertaken, it is time to plan for the next fifty years and to envision what is possible.

Critical Improvements Needed

Accessibility

Accessibility in the building, including larger bathrooms and elevators that meet current codes and allow wheelchairs and strollers room to maneuver, as well as shorter shelves and wider aisles to provide better access to materials.

Community

Small and large indoor meeting spaces for the community, including a study rooms and makerspaces.

A technology training lab and business incubator for job skills development, comprehensive computer training, and business support.

Inviting outdoor spaces including a reading garden and programming spaces to accommodate library and community events for all ages.

Technology Infrastructure

A stronger and more robust electrical and networking infrastructure to meet the needs of today's technology advancements.

Outreach

Expanded outreach services, including locker systems throughout Jefferson City and Cole County.

The Past and Future of MRRL

Accessibility at the Library: Charlotte's Story

Accessibility at the library youtube image

The Library is More Than Just Books: Mike's Story

How Much Will This Cost Me?

Calculation Formula

You cost will vary based on the property that you own, but we can share the math formulas with you, so you can figure out your own cost.

Residential Real Estate Property

The current statewide assessment rate for residential real estate property is 19%. To determine how much you owe, perform the following two-part calculation:

Estimated Market Value of the Property X Assessment Rate (19%) = Estimated Assessed Value
Estimated Assessed Value / 100 X Total Tax Rate = Estimated Tax Bill

Here’s an example of how this formula works:

To calculate taxes owed on a $100,000 home at a 0.35 total tax rate per $100 of assessed valuation:

100,000 X .19 (19%) = $19,000

19,000 / 100 X 0.35 = $66.50 owed in taxes ($28.50 increase from the current 20 cent levy)

Personal Property

The current statewide assessment rate for personal property is 33 1/3 %. To determine how much you owe, perform the following two-part calculation:

Estimated Market Value of the Property X Assessment Rate (33 1/3%) = Estimated Assessed Value
Estimated Assessed Value / 100 X Total Tax Rate = Estimated Tax Bill

Here’s an example of how this formula works –

To calculate taxes owed on a $100,000 vehicle at a 0.35 total tax rate per $100 of assessed valuation:

100,000 X .333333 (33 1/3%) = $33,333

33,333 / 100 X 0.35 = $116.67 owed in taxes ($50 increase from the current 20 cent levy)

Other Property Types

View the Cole County assessment rates for various types of property.

Follow the calculations above.

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