Decision in library dispute
Yesterday IB examined a suit between the Evansville Vanderburgh Library Board (EVLB) and Willard Library. Circuit Court Judge Carl Heldt has ruled in favor of EVLB. Patricia Swanson reports:
A decision by Circuit Court Judge Carl Heldt means Willard will receive about $150,000 less than it wanted from a countywide tax. Instead, it will get $674,581 in Vanderburgh County property taxes next year.
Heldt ruled that Willard, a private donation library, does not have the right to levy taxes. Only a public political entity does, he said.
In Willard’s case, that means the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library Board, which has the responsibility for filing Willard’s tax levy, also has the right to review and set Willard’s budget and tax rate.
Willard attorney Keith Vonderahe said the library would file an appeal.
