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Libraries get go-ahead from Chisago commissioners on 3-2 voteBy MaryHelen Swanson The Chisago County commissioners, on a 3-2 vote, decided Wednesday night, Sept. 3, to proceed with bonding to build a new library in Wyoming and replace the buildings in North Branch and the Lindstrom area. The bonds would be sold in the amount of $6.5 million to construct a 14,000 sq. ft. facility in North Branch, a 10,000 sq. ft. facility in Wyoming and a 12,000 sq. ft. facility in the Chisago Lakes area. According to financial consultant Carolyn Drude, there will be additional financial costs ranging anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000. The taxpayers of Chisago County, with the exception of those in Taylors Falls which has its own library, will pick up the costs. Under the adopted resolution, county staff will be required to work with each proposed location to acquire necessary land, to provide the necessary architectural services for each project and to help the localities solicit input and volunteers to work with the architects. According to the plan set forth in the adopted resolution, Chisago County will construct and own the library buildings. The East Central Regional Library system will provide books, staff and library services and the host cities will provide land and maintenance of the buildings. It was also included that the county would enter into talks with the city of Rush City to purchase its library building at the appraised market value. Additionally, the commissioners are to encourage support from future county boards to build or expand the Rush City library when it is determined by the ECRL system that it is necessary. A complete story will come later. ©ECM Post Review |