County considers library bond

By MaryHelen Swanson
A recently introduced library initiative may require an increase in the county levy to build new library facilities.
The Chisago County commissioners have agreed, by 4-1, to move ahead with a schedule leading up to the bonding in an amount that was proposed at $3 million to construct new library buildings in North Branch, Wyoming and the Lindstrom-Chisago Lakes area.
While not included in the presentation made at the June 4 commissionerís meeting, Rush City might be included for a future new building by adding an additional $1 million to the bond package.
According to the initiative proposal, the county would provide $1 million as part of a matching program with the municipalities, to garner the funds needed to build the new libraries.
Local communities would have to levy for and/or provide $600,000-$800,000 toward their new facilities.
The county and East Central Regional Library (ECRL) would approve the site and building plans.
The county would budget for the debt (three potential bonds) by adding a $50,000 line item to the 2004 budget for this capitalization program.
The initiative also says the county would take over ownership of the library buildings in the Wyoming, North Branch and Lindstrom-Chisago Lakes area.
The initiative is also written so that the county would take over or reimburse Rush City for the maintenance expenses of the Rush City library.
And, as originally proposed, Rush City would be eligible to participate in the program when the population in the library service area demands a larger building.
For county taxpayers, this means an additional $6 per person, on top of the current $8.36 per person levy now, to repay the $3 million capitalization bonds.
An additional $1 per person would be needed to support the county assuming the maintenance expenses for the branch library buildings.
Another way to look at the tax impact was presented by Carolyn Drude of Ehlers and Associates, county financial advisors.
On a 20-year maturity, with an average annual debt service of $240,000, the property tax on a $125,000 homestead would be about $11 and $17.60 for a $200,000 homestead.
The tax impact would be $10 and $16 respectively if the bond was stretched to 25-years.
County residents in the Taylors Falls area would not pay this tax as Taylors Falls has its own library and is not a associated with the ECRL system.
The schedule the board has adopted requires the board to make a decision on direction on the initiative proposal June 18. Between June 18 and July 16, the public is to be informed of the proposal. Public input would be taken at a board hearing on July 16.
The final step on the schedule is to have formal board decision on the adoption of the library proposal on July 23.
Many speakers at last weekís meeting noted that the issue had come up quickly and that they hadnít had a lot of time to study it.
Sherry Stirling, an appointed trustee on the ECRL board, gave a presentation in which she noted an increasing concern on the part of the board of trustees over the library buildings. She said population in Chisago County has increased and there is a need to expand the books and computer services in all county library facilities.
She said there is a need for conference rooms at the facilities for book clubs, childrenís reading groups and work space for Friends of the Library projects.
She acknowledged that it is a difficult economic time for families, communities and government bodies, but said public libraries are more than a collection of books.
They define a community, she said, and help to hold small towns together.
Fifth District Commissioner Mike Robinson, who opposed the adoption of the initiative schedule, asked where the money would come from, reminding the board of cuts that had already been made, such as Meals on Wheels, highway projects and even asking county employees to take unpaid time off.
Robinsonís concerns were echoed by Commissioner Bob Gustafson, who said a lot of answers were still needed.
Commissioner Lora Walker was surprised to learn that Chisago County offers the lowest level of library service to its residents. She noted that Chisago pays half of what Washington County pays per citizen.
Lindstrom Mayor Keith Carlson reminded the board that library services in his area are ìwoefully inadequate.î
He said a facility should be paid for by the users. He also reminded the board of the work a group of municipalities in the south end of the county have been doing to secure a new library facility.
Rush Cityís administrator and mayor were on hand for the discussion. Administrator Daniel Hoffman updated the board on the growth in Rush City, calling it phenomenal, and saying that the city could certainly use additional library space. He said it would be best for the city if the county paid for a new building.
Mayor Mike Skalsky said Rush City will be in the same situation as other areas of the county sooner than later and suggested that money be included in the proposal for a new Rush City area library as well.
Chisago City Mayor Chris DuBose said it was fair that Rush City should be included in the proposal.
North Branch Mayor Gloria Karsky also said there had not been much time to think about the proposal, but told the board that North Branch has been looking at its library issue for a long time and has been looking at sites.
Wyoming Mayor Vernon Haag said the proposal might seem expensive now, but down the road it would be a bargain.
Wyoming is served only by the ECRL Bookmobile, but has plans for a new library in place and approved by the library board.
Fund-raising efforts have been underway for several years. The city has a location picked out for its library building.
Fish Lake Town Board chairman Bob Cupit also noted the short time to study the issue. He said residents in his area do care about library issues, but also have concerns about roads.
He said the town board would like a chance to consult with its residents and come back with a response later.
For the most part, those speaking at the meeting on the library issue applauded the board for taking the initiative on library buildings.
Before concluding the subject, the board asked Drude if she could run the numbers on a $4 million bond.

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