OLYMPIA — The governor has signed legislation sponsored by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, to provide greater clarification concerning levy rates for rural libraries.

“When propositions to create rural library districts appear on the ballots, there’s uncertainty as to what levy rates will be imposed and the measures could fail by small margins,” Haugen said. “I think this bill will help voters better understand exactly what they’re voting on.”

Senate Bill 5355 provides greater clarification concerning levy rates for rural libraries. It will allow a rural county library district to include the maximum initial levy rate and requires that the initial levy rate not be higher than the rate set by the vote establishing the rural county library district.

Haugen notes that about a third of Skagit County residents living in unincorporated areas don’t have libraries, and she hoped that this measure will help them to fund their own rural library districts.

Among those grateful for the new law is Sara Holahan, Deputy Director Mount Vernon City Library.

“This minor modification in how rural county libraries are established is huge in its significance,” said Holahan. “Voters in areas where there is no universal service will now know precisely the cost of a tax levy to provide library service to all.”

“Previously voters had to vote on an unknown rate, and the maximum rate allowed by law could be too costly considering the recent increases in assessed valuations of property,” noted Holahan, who was chair of Skagit Libraries for All campaign in 2005. “People want to know what they are voting for, especially with taxes, and providing ballot issues that empower voters with facts is a great improvement.”

SB 5355 received the unanimous approval of the Legislature, and will go into effect in 90 days.