MAHOMET – Residents of Mahomet voted in favor of issuing $3.325 million in bonds to build a new, larger library Tuesday but turned down a second proposal that would have provided operating money for the new facility.

The bond proposal passed 1,588 to 1,461. The second question, which would have raised taxes 8 cents per $100, failed by 1,308 "yes" votes to 1,651 "no" votes.

June Holmes, library board president, said from the courthouse late Tuesday that once the numbers had soaked in, she was feeling very happy about the results.

"Of course we wanted both to be a go, but I think the board would agree that if only one could pass, it's better to have the bond issue because we'll be able to create the new facility," she said.

She said the extra 8 cents would have provided for operating costs and expanding the library collection. "We'll have to figure out what can be done," she said. "Perhaps the collection can't be increased as quickly as we had hoped. The thermostat will have to be turned down," she laughed. "But oh, man! I have to think of this as a victory that the community supported the bond issue. It shows a good, strong community support."

The new library will be on U.S. 150 in Hunter's Ridge Subdivision on the east side of Mahomet.

This is the second time the board has asked voters for a new library, a proposal last April losing by 164 votes. The board's revised plans for a new building will have 13,000 square feet, down about 5,000 square feet from the April proposal, and the board shaved about $1.165 million off the cost.

The board asked for $3.325 million for construction of the new library, which means a 9 cent per $100 increase for taxpayers. The bond will be paid off in 20 years – or less with fundraising efforts – and the increase would then disappear.

Regional editor Rebecca Mabry contributed to this report.