Parkland Community Library has advanced a step further in its effort to place a referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot requesting an increase in the tax rate from .10 mills to .28 mills.

The funds are being sought to build a new library large enough to provide adequate space for staff, materials, programs and parking.

The structure is planned for a site at the intersection of Orefield and Coffeetown roads.

The expected cost of the proposed 30,000-square-foot building is $14.6 million.

Library representatives followed a process which required a petition signed by more than 3 percent of the school district residents who voted in last year’s November municipal election.

Although only 266 signatures were required, the library obtained 693.

Library personnel delivered the petition to the office of school district Superintendent Richard Sniscak on Aug. 12.

School directors then voted 7-2 on Aug. 16 to submit the question or referendum to the Lehigh County Board of Elections for placement on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Sniscak provided information on the library’s funding history.

Incorporated in 1973, the library received funds each year from North Whitehall, South Whitehall, and Upper Macungie townships and Parkland School District until July 1, 1999.

As the amounts were not always predictable, the present system was devised in which the tax levy was approved at the general election in November 1998 and implemented at the start of the next fiscal year.

The tax, which has not changed since then, may be altered only through referendum.

As the library has no taxing authority, the school district collects the tax.

Sniscak emphasized, however, taxpayers decide on the rate change through the referendum - not the school board.

Rob Cohen, who serves as the school board liaison at the library board, noted the library has developed a strategic plan with input of the community.

“A successful referendum outcome will allow the library to move forward with initiatives suggested by our strategic plan process,” Cohen said.

Board member Barry Long voted against the referendum resolution.

“It would be too high a burden for taxpayers at this time,” Long said. “It is the wrong location and the wrong size.”

Board member Jef Reyburn also voted no.

“I’m not satisfied with the process,” said Reyburn, expressing concern for the “best interests of the taxpayers.”

Board member Mark Hanichak explained his reason for voting yes.

“The library has done everything they need to do to put this on the ballot,” Hanichak said.

“They have completed their legal requirements.”

Cohen said if the referendum is approved, the library tax will increase .18 mills.

The owner of a property assessed at $100,000 would pay an additional $18 annual library tax.

The library is launching a website to provide information at voteyesparklandlibrary.org.