Valley of the Tetons Library

You are here: Home / Supplemental Levy

Supplemental Levy

ELECTION RESULTS FROM VOTEIDAHO.GOV

Election Results 79% IN FAVOR OF levy

Thank you Teton County! 79.46% of voters in our recent May 20, 2025 election voted IN FAVOR OF authorizing a supplemental levy in the amount of $400,000 per year for two years to support library staff, spaces and services. More election result information can be found at VoteIdaho.gov.

EARLY VOTING – MAY 5 THROUGH MAY 16 AT TETON COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 150 COURTHOUSE DR, DRIGGS

GENERAL ELECTION – TUESDAY, MAY 20 AT YOUR POLLING PLACE

Supplemental Levy 2025 poster

Frequently Asked Questions – Supplemental Levy

Download Supplemental Levy FAQ

What is a levy and the Supplemental Levy?

A levy is simply the collection of a tax or other payment. When approved by voters, a levy generates funds that a library district, school district, or other unit of government can use to support annual operating costs. If approved, the VTL Supplemental Levy will be in effect for two years beginning January 1st, 2026, and will be used for the maintenance and operation of the library district.

Why do we need a Supplemental Levy now? 

You said yes in 2023. Here’s what your support made possible:

  • Opened a full-service branch in Tetonia, expanding access to the northern valley
  • Offered services 6 days a week, across three locations
  • Expanded rural and homebound outreach
  • Established reciprocal cards with Teton County Library, WY
  • Partnered with local organizations to deepen community impact
  • Retained and recruited qualified local staff

This levy ensures that library services continue without interruption and allows us to:

  • Retain professional library staff with livable wages
  • Maintain strong service levels across the county
  • Sustain community programming and outreach
  • Keep library resources free, accessible, and equitable

Is this a tax increase? What is my cost as a taxpayer? 

Tax rates have decreased since 2023. The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed $400,000 supplemental levy is $6 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions. The Valley of the Tetons Library District has an existing annual levy of $675,000 or $11 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value per property, per year. If the proposed levy is approved, the total cost is estimated to be $17 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value.

How does VTL work?

VTL operates with strict fiscal discipline, maintaining balanced operating budgets even in the face of unprecedented challenges. As a public library, approximately 81% of our annual operating budget comes from funding collected through a taxing district based on the assessed property value in Teton County.

History of the library taxing district and levy

Teton Valley has a long history of supporting our community library! A library district is an independent taxing district, set up per state code, that provides library services for the people living within its boundaries. Valley of the Tetons Library District was created in 1966 by an overwhelming 76% of voters. In 2014, voters approved a Supplemental Levy to expand library services beyond Victor and in 2015 it was made permanent. In 2023, a voter-approved supplemental levy enabled the library to improve staff wages and expand countywide services.

If approved, will you use the levy to build a new branch?

No, funds received through the levy are restricted to annual costs for maintenance and operation of the District. Levy funds cannot be used to purchase land, new construction, or large capital expenditures.

Voting Information

GENERAL ELECTION Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Polls open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Voting locations found here.

Early/Absentee voting May 5 – May 16, 2025

Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at the Teton County Courthouse, 150 Courthouse Dr, Driggs

More Voting Information at Teton County, Idaho Elections page here.