Mill levy will add $350,000 to budget

Today is Election Day in Lincoln County for positions on Libby and Troy school boards.

In Libby, the focus of this election will be a mill levy request for $350,000 that will further fund the district. Libby has not passed a mill levy since 2002. Subsequent attempts for a mill levy and a bond issue were both rejected by voters.

If passed, the mill levy will fund teachers salaries, as the action committee Citizens Promoting Libby Schools has said, and it will fund building improvements as well as keep up with rising costs.

In both local races, three people seek two three-year positions on these boards. And, in each race, there is an incumbent who seeks to retain his post on that board. In Libby, that incumbent is Les Nelson. Also seeking spots on the board are John Carlson and Sarah Crace. 

For the 2013-14 school year, the district is looking at a deficit of $700,000, of which it has cut half of that amount, $350,000. Further cuts of between five and seven additional employees may be necessary if the levy does not pass.

As voters go to the polls today, an estimated 50 percent of the ballots already have been cast, according to election officials.

There is just one polling place in each district, and that is the administration building. 

Polls open at 8 a.m. and will remain open until 8 p.m. Tuesday.