Are cities without libraries in other counties expected to pay for library services?
Over 200 cities in Iowa contract with other cities for library services. This is considered a fair share contract, with cities paying a fair share in order for the residents to benefit from library services. According to the Iowa Code, all cities are obligated to provide support for library services to their community.

256.69 Local financial support.
Commencing July 1, 1977, each city within its corporate boundaries and each county within the unincorporated area of the county shall levy a tax of at least six and three-fourths cents per thousand dollars of assessed value on the taxable property for the purpose of providing financial support to the public library which provides library services within the respective jurisdictions.

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1. Haven’t these cities been paying for library services? How does this compare to funding from other sources?
2. Will county residents continue to receive library services?
3. Since we’ve received library services in the past, why are you requesting funding from the cities without libraries now?
4. How much is being requested for library services?
5. I live in Brandon/Rowley and am in the Independence Community School District. Why don’t my children receive library services?
6. Have you talked with the cities without libraries about the request for funding?
7. Are cities without libraries in other counties expected to pay for library services?
8. Is my city locked into a long term contract if we sign this contract?
9. What should we do if we want to continue to receive library services?
10. If my city decides not to sign the contract, can I purchase a card for library services?
11. How will library services change for me if my city decides not to sign the contract?
12. Can I just go to another library outside of Buchanan County for library services?