HOLLIDAYSBURG — Blair County commissioners said Tuesday that they’re likely to grant a request from county libraries for a small increase in the real estate tax levy to support library services.

In a presentation before commissioners, Blair County Library Board President Richard Hall reported that the state is providing libraries with an almost 10 percent increase in funding.

If the county could increase its millage levy for libraries from 0.019 to 0.021 mills — an increase of 9.5 percent — that would generate another $14,300 for the libraries, county library Coordinator Katie Greenleaf Martin said.

If passed, the increase would mean someone with a property valued at $100,000 will see that portion of their real estate tax bill increase 20 cents, by going from $1.90 to $2.10.

The current millage, in place since 2007, will generate about $150,000 by the end of this year for the libraries.

Commissioners, aware of the request before Tuesday’s weekly meeting attended by librarians and library supporters, offered a positive response.

“I fully support the increase in your funding,” Commissioner Terry Tomassetti said.

Commissioner Ted Beam Jr. nodded his head in agreement as Commissioners Chairman Bruce Erb responded, “I think you’re going to find unanimous support for your request.”

Commissioners are currently holding budget meetings where they are examining allocations in a draft 2020 budget that will need to be balanced before adoption at the end of the year.

Based on mathematical calculations, someone with a property valued at $500,000 would see the portion of their real estate tax bill set aside for library support increase by $1, going from $9.50 to $10.50.

In 2019, the county’s 0.019 millage levy for libraries was a small portion of the county’s total real estate tax levy of 3.925 mills. Of the total levy, 3.517 mills are used to support the general fund; 0.12 mills for parks and recreation expenses; and 0.377 mills for debt payments.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 946-7456.