Ballot proposition
Source: Sangamon County

Chatham, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) — With the upcoming April 1 election, voters in Chatham will decide on a ballot proposition that would, if approved, increase property taxes to support the library. The funds would go toward infrastructure repairs, a reserve for future maintenance, and expanded services.

The library has struggled with water leaks for years, according to Chatham Area Public Library Director Amy Byers. Water enters the building through failed rubber roofing, windows on the east side, and a stucco-like material on the north and east walls, including the north arch. “While our board of trustees and the administration have worked with contractors and vendors to address these issues, the fixes didn’t stay. The water found a way back into our building. They always say water finds a way, and it sure did.”

In 2022, Byers said, the library hired Graham & Hyde Architects and O’Shea Builders to investigate the issue. The estimated cost to fix the water issues was determined to be approximately $745,000.

A full facilities review a year later identified other aging infrastructure concerns, such as the library’s 12 HVAC units and roofing. The review also showed the problems weren’t due to a lack of maintenance on the 30-year-old facility, according to Byers.

If the referendum passes, the library also plans to expand services and materials. Byers said e-books and audiobooks have become more popular, but their high costs make it hard to meet demand. Additional funding could also help create new spaces, such as a nursing room for mothers and a creative maker space.

For the owner of a home valued at $285,000, Byer’s said the proposed property tax increase would amount to $38.39 per year.

If the referendum fails, Byers said the first priority will still be to fix the water infiltration issues. The library may have to cut back on library materials and services in order to address the repairs.

“Libraries are here for their communities,” she said. “Whether this passes or fails, we are here for our Chatham community.”