Next month, some Roaring Fork Valley voters will weigh in on a ballot question about the Basalt Regional Library. Measure 7B applies to people living within the library district, which includes Old Snowmass, Missouri Heights and up Fryingpan Road all the way to Norrie Colony.
The Sopris Sun spoke with the library’s executive director, Amy Shipley, to learn more. In late September, the Basalt Library met a major milestone by paying off bonds that were approved by voters in 2006 — a year ahead of schedule. Those bonds made it possible to build the library nestled along the Roaring Fork River. It is also LEED-certified for energy efficiency.
On the heels of that accomplishment, the library is requesting community approval to extend the mill levy, this time to fund library operations and maintenance. The ballot question, if passed, would not increase the overall property tax rate which has funded the mill levy thus far. The cost to homeowners is estimated at $67 annually for every $1 million of property value.
Shipley shared that her team has planned for 2026 if 7B doesn’t pass, but managing without would mean the library would have to make some sacrifices.
“We’re budgeting a $164,000 shortfall for 2026 if the ballot measure doesn’t pass. Normal operations could continue for one year with that budget, but after that we’d face staffing restrictions and hours adjustments,” she stated.
Shipley explained that the mill levy was originally used to pay back debt on the building. Renewal would start to shift the purpose and application of the funds, with the primary objective being to maintain and expand programming to meet community needs. Other top priorities are increasing staff pay to reduce turnover and maintaining the building as it ages. Shipley reiterated that the library would like to pay its staff more livable wages, and that renewing the mill levy would help make that possible.
Asked whether she believes the community understands what the library needs to maintain services, Shipley was diplomatic.
“I think it’s difficult to understand how a lot of things are funded,” she said, noting her staff’s efforts at increasing that awareness. “My hope is that those who are curious gain some understanding as part of this ballot process.”
She emphasized that the continued funding would empower the library’s staff to provide the community with access to resources and offer programming valuable to patrons of many different interests.
“It comes down to our staff and availability to help people,” Shipley said. “With technology, we’re able to help people with everything from printing to navigating websites.”
She also mentioned the Library of Things, which allows patrons to check out camping gear, sports equipment, tools and even electronics. Another library offering is the reservable study and meeting rooms, which are free for public use and reservable for up to two hours.
Shipley said that the ballot measure is essential to sustaining the Basalt Library. She shared that long-term financial support will help with employee retention, building upkeep, updating books on the shelves, public computer use, online resources and more.
The library director emphasized that 7B is intended to support the local community, not for the sole purpose to expand local institutions.
“This measure is not about growing government. It’s about sustaining the essential services our community already relies on,” she stated.
Local government bodies have shown support for the ballot item. In recent weeks, both Basalt Town Council and the Pitkin County Board of Commissioners voted to endorse renewal of the mill levy.
Basalt Library staff have set up a designated webpage at www.basaltlibrary.org to help inform patrons about the ballot measure and how funds would be used. The page includes a detailed list of frequently asked questions. If readers have questions, they can contact the Basalt Regional Library at 970-927-4311.