Unofficial results: Library district passes

POLSON - Unofficial results on the Lake County North Library District election show only 200 votes separating those for and those against the proposal. In the end, with 1,765 votes for the new district and 1,522 against it, the mil levy passed.

The Polson Library felt the need to drum up a levy as it looks to enhance itself through sustainable funding. Currently, the library depends on sources that aren't consistent, chair of the steering committee Jake Block said. The city of Polson accounts for 57 percent of the library's budget, with another 35 percent coming from gifts and donations.

"How would you like to depend on donations and gifts to pay your bills?" steering committee volunteer coordinator Bonnie Triepke said.

The city decreased its contribution by 15 percent last fiscal year and is expected to do the same this time around. The State of Montana and Lake County make up the rest of the pie.

The people funding the mill levy are determined by geographic boundaries, starting in the north at the Flathead County line, north of Rollins, moving south down both sides of the lake until it reaches Minesinger Trail. The west boundary is the west Lake County border running up against Sanders county.

The NLCPLD geographical boundaries aren't the only ones that use the library, but are the only ones that can vote. The geographical boundaries were picked as such because it reflects the majority of users.

Unofficial results:

Lake County North Library District Election

Vote for 2

FOR...1,765

AGAINST...1,522

Overvotes...0

Undervotes...3