From the NG:
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.
I wonder if the library district could solicit some like-new book donations for the new building - I have a few that would be nice additions to the collection.
So, will Mahomet build a new building without the funds to operate it?
I was told a big part of the requested operating cost increase was to expand the collection some - there will be substantially more shelf space available.
RSW--maybe you'll get a new building without books, and you'll have to wear a sweater because there's no money to pay for heat.
Someone called in to Penny, saying he thought it was odd/wrong/not necessary to pay for extra operating costs for a year or more before the new building is even built. He suspected that another request for a tax increase would come back to the voters nearer to the time of occupancy, and then it would make more sense.
I hadn't thought of that.
Also, I suspect that the library will see some increase in tax receipts just on growth in the area. There will probably be enough money for heat. (They can quit buying DVD's to loan out immediately - that will save them some $'s)
As a member of the Mahomet Public Library Board of Trustees, I can tell you that, while we certainly felt our 2 part referendum was the best way to present our needs to the voters of the district, we certainly knew that the possibility existed that one might pass and the other might not. We feel fortunate that the voters of the district felt we made a good case for a new facility and we certainly hear their message that they do not want a tax increase to pay for it right now. Our next steps are to meet and talk over the many options we see before us. We have a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, February 11 at 6p.m. in the meeting room of the Mahomet Public Library. If you are interested in hearing our discussion please think about attending. Thank you for the opportunity to use this forum to bring our issues out to a wider audience. The board is quite excited about the future of the Mahomet Public Library and we are anxious to get to work on the project ahead.
Ann Panthen, Treasurer, Mahomet Public Library Board of Trustees