Highland residents will be paying about $36 more in taxes on a $350,000 home next year to pay for library services.

Specifically, the tax increase will go toward hiring a certified librarian, buying books and supplies, and training. The new library will occupy about 2,500 square feet of the new city building, with another large room for storytelling and activities. The building is scheduled to be finished next summer. Highland residents have been paying to use the library in American Fork.

Highland's library board has pledged to raise another $300,000 for the book collection.

The news of a tax increase didn't go over well with some Highland residents, however.

"Last year Highland raised our taxes to get more firemen and policemen and it was promised there would not be another increase, but here it is again," said resident Terry Melendez at the city's truth in taxation meeting earlier this month.

Brenda Thurgood said, "Why do we need a library when we can go to American Fork for just $20 after the reimbursement is paidfi"

However, library board member Stephanie Jones said city surveys showed the majority of residents want a library of their own.

"In our survey 80 percent of the respondents were strongly in favor of a library," she said. "Why give our money to other libraries when it could be going toward building a nice library in Highlandfi"

Councilman Brian Brunson said he was concerned that book donations hadn't been secured and that an agreement to join an interlibrary system with American Fork, Lehi and Pleasant Grove hadn't been signed before the council voted on the increase.

"We have incurred a $8 million bond debt over the past two years for the justice, fire new city building plus $7 million for more parks," he said. "I do not want to fund a library in Highland and then not have our residents be able to use the other libraries, too. Why don't we wait until we have the agreement in writingfi"

The council passed the tax increase in a 3-2 vote, with the mayor casting the deciding vote.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page B5.