Basalt Regional Library 2025 Ballot Measure Survey

Magellan Strategies is pleased to present the topline results of a survey of 478 voters in the Basalt Regional Library District near Basalt, Colorado. The interviews were conducted from March 27th to April 6th, 2025.

The survey opened by assessing how frequently residents used the Basalt Regional Library. Usage was fairly well distributed, with most households visiting at least occasionally. Those who never visited cited a preference for digital alternatives, lack of time or habit, and a general sense that the library did not meet their current needs.

Satisfaction with the library was notably high across most attributes. Residents were especially pleased with library staff and the range of books and magazines available, as well as the hours of operation. Satisfaction was somewhat lower for adult and children’s programs, likely reflecting that a significant portion of respondents were unfamiliar with those offerings.

Overall approval of the library district’s performance was strong, with the vast majority of respondents expressing approval of the job the district was doing serving the community. A majority also believed the district spent taxpayer money wisely, though a notable share remained unsure. Fewer than half of respondents believed the district currently had adequate financial resources to provide its services, suggesting awareness of a funding gap.

Before being presented with any additional context, respondents were asked how they would vote on a proposed ballot measure to extend the library’s existing mill levy without raising the tax rate. Support was strong even at this uninformed stage, with a large majority indicating they would vote to approve the measure.

Respondents were then walked through a series of informational statements about the ballot measure, covering topics such as the history of the 2006 voter-approved mill levy, its impending expiration, the cost to homeowners, and the library’s staffing challenges. After each piece of information, support remained consistently strong, with the information about staff wages and cost-of-living challenges generating particularly high levels of increased likelihood to approve.

Respondents were also asked about specific services that could be funded by the measure. Maintaining and expanding the library’s collection was the top driver of support, followed closely by preserving free community meeting space and expanding online services. Programs for children and teens, job training, and technology upgrades also generated strong support. Spanish-language programs, while still supported by a majority, ranked lowest among the options presented.

After reviewing all of the information, respondents were asked again how they would vote. Support increased slightly compared to the uninformed ballot test, with the vast majority indicating they would vote to approve the measure. Those in favor cited the library’s role as a vital community resource and valued its commitment to public access and equity. Those opposed expressed concern about rising property taxes, frustration that a temporary tax was being made permanent, and a desire for greater transparency about how funds would be used.