Proposition L – November 5, 2024
Proposition L (L for Library!) is a ballot issue that will go before the voters of Marshall, Missouri in the General Election on November 5th, 2024. Read all about it below!
Marshall Public Library Building Plans for 102 E. Morgan
This item is identified as Proposition L on the November 5, 2024, ballot:
"For the purpose of renovating and replacing aging library facilities, enhancing spaces and programming for children and adults, expanding services and collections to serve public demand, and for the general operation of the library, shall a one-quarter (¼) of one cent sales tax be levied on all retail sales within the district for the purpose of providing funding for the City of Marshall Municipal Public Library district for 15 years through 2039?
□ YES □ NO"
The Marshall Public Library is a safe and welcoming place offering access to knowledge, the collaboration of ideas, and service to the community. Our mission is serving our diverse community with resources and experiences to educate and enrich all across life’s journey.
Established in 1990 as a Municipal Library District, Marshall Public Library has been located in the basement of City Hall at 214 N. Lafayette ever since. In May of 2023, the MPL Board of Trustees purchased 102 E. Morgan using the Library’s Reserve Fund, with plans to renovate. Saline County is one of only nine counties where library districts in the county are allowed to ask for a sales tax, by Missouri State Statute. (RSMo 182.802)
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is Proposition L?
Proposition L, if approved by Marshall voters on November 05, 2024, will provide a 1/4 cent sales tax through 2039. The revenue will be used to fund the renovation of 102 E. Morgan and to fund expanded operations of the Marshall Public Library. If passed, the Library will move from its current location into the East Morgan building in 2026.
2. What does a YES vote mean?
- A newly renovated, 21st Century library conveniently located by the square.
- Increasing lifelong learning opportunities through expanded services and programs to serve our community.
- Expanding access to materials and resources, meeting the needs of all of our patrons.
- Additional professional staff and expanded hours of operation to benefit patrons.
3. What does a NO vote mean?
- Remaining in our basement location for the foreseeable future.
- Scaling back outreach services over time as costs increase.
- Service hours may be reduced as costs continue to rise.
- Delaying technology updates, falling short of our community’s digital needs as hardware and software continue to age.
4. What will the new building provide?
The new library will have a large and modern Community Meeting Room that will be accessible after hours. The meeting room will have a kitchenette, projector equipped with speakers and a microphone, and other technologies. The Community Meeting Room will also have a display case and a gallery wall for local artists, collectors, and historians to display work and research. The new library will have three (3) semi-private Breakout Rooms (Study Rooms). Each room will be equipped with a table and chairs, and display technology. There will be dedicated teen and children’s spaces for our patrons and families to use. Throughout the new library there will be ample and comfortable reading areas, In addition, the library will have two patron bathrooms, and a staff bathroom. We will also have our wonderful genealogy room with display cases for items in that collection. And of course, we’ll have all the books you’ve come to know and love!
5. What are the costs of renovation?
The Library has worked with SAPP Architects on the building renovation plans and renderings. SAPP is an architecture firm specializing in library buildings and renovations. They are based out of Kansas City and Springfield, Missouri. SAPP estimates the costs of renovation to be between $2.3 and 2.8 million.
6. Will the sales tax be used for other things?
Yes, the library anticipates hiring additional full-time staff, expanding evening and weekend hours, and increasing educational programs for all age groups.
7. How is the library currently funded?
Approved in 1990, the library collects a property levy of .1516 cents on $100 assessed valuation. Our current yearly budget is enough to cover our operating expenses only. The library receives ~2% of its budget from State Aid.
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