Milaca, Friends of Library
ask townships for support

By DAWN SLADE
Mille Lacs County Times
Posted 2/6/03

On Thursday, Jan. 30 in a tightly packed room in the basement of the Milaca Public Library, the Friends of the Library and the City of Milaca discussed the future library with township and city leaders.

The libraryís goal last week was to get townships and cities (Bock, Foreston and Pease) to come aboard in financing the new library.

The special meeting was called by the Milaca City Council, but was run by Shelley Larson, president of the Milaca Friends of the Library.

In November, residents of the City of Milaca passed a referendum (741 to 416 votes) to pay for one-third of the 1.4 million dollar library.

For Milaca residents who own a $100,000 home, that means an increase of $65 per year, for 15 years. However, as more residents move into the area, that number decreases.

For a Milaca resident with a $200,000 home, that annual tax would be $129.

But, township residents, individually, would pay much less than Milaca residents, even though the townships and citiesí total population is more than double that of Milaca.

The total annual debt service for the eight townships and three cities would be $47,000 for 15 years, which includes interest. The total principal debt would be $475,000.

For example, a township resident who owns a $100,000 home would only pay $17.45 for the year. While a resident who owns a $200,000 home would pay $34.90 per year.

Again, those numbers would decrease as the population increases.

Commercial properties would pay a slightly higher tax, while agricultural land would be slightly lower than residential properties.

Along with Larson, Mary Jane Bridge, former librarian and current Milaca City Council member, and Bob Boese, director for the East Central Regional Library system, spoke to those in attendance.

Questions arose, such as the need for building an 8,500 square foot library as opposed to a smaller facility.

The response was that not only is the current Milaca Library the smallest in the state for its service area (1,490 square feet), but the Friends want to build the library to last at least 20 years.

"We wanted it to be the right size," said Larson. "Not bigger than needed."

Boese pointed out that the Milaca Library has many more books for its facility, however, thereís no room to store them.

Besides more books for the library, there would be more computers, a childrenís section, a teen section, study rooms and public seating for 54 people, with access to a 1,200 square foot community room which will be located in the adjoining new Milaca City Hall.

Larson also pointed out the Milaca Libraryís circulation is growing much faster than other libraries in the area.

Another township supervisor asked why it cost so much to build the library.

Boese pointed out that construction costs include furniture, shelving, wiring, etc. He also said the costs are not exorbitant and that it is below average for library construction in Minnesota.

One representative asked if there would be a building committee. Larson quickly replied, "That would be great! We could use the help."

Milaca City Manager Greg Lerud spoke about the joint powers agreement the townships would have with Milaca and that there would definitely be representatives from the townships and cities involved in the process.

The joint powers agreement is for construction of the building only. Maintenance of the building is the responsibility of the City of Milaca, while the books, computers and staffing are the responsibility of Mille Lacs County.

Lerud also told the supervisors that the townships could go on board with Milaca in purchasing bonds, which would save on fees.

The supervisors asked when payments would be due. Lerud replied with a hypothetical example, saying if all the townships agreed in March to help fund the library, it would take the rest of the year to get an architect and construction in place. Bids would be taken in the spring with construction to begin over the summer of 2004. The first payment by the townships would then be due in 2005.

Lerud also pointed out that the city wonít break ground on the library unless the money is in place.

There was concern amongst the representatives with asking residents for a tax increase when the stateís budget is in such a crisis.

Bridge agreed the timing was not great, but said the Friends have been trying to get the City of Milaca on board for some time. The decision to place the referendum on the November ballot wasnít passed until roughly a month before the election.

The Friends of the Library plan to send out flyers to all residents of the eight townships and three cities informing residents of the costs involved, the location and a description of the future library.

The Friends are hoping to find at least one representative from each township to receive all the pertinent information on the library plans and then present that information at the annual township meeting.

The townships have their annual meetings in March.

There was concern with some townships as to the few number of voters who turn out for their annual meeting. And that the supervisors would be making a decision based on a handful of people representing their township.

Eric Larson, supervisor for Hayland Township, reminded the other supervisors that they were elected - chosen by the people in their communities.

"Obviously, they trust your judgment," Larson said.

The Friends felt that by sending out flyers, there will likely be a higher turnout at the annual meeting.

Supervisors were then upset that they would end up with a bunch of people at the meeting that are for the library and a bunch of people that are against the library.

Larson and Bridge felt that would be good as it would give the supervisors a better idea as to what the residents want to do and would help the township supervisors make the decision.

The remaining one-third of the funds needed to build the library is being raised by the Milaca Friends of the Library through fund raising, donations and grants.

Federal funds are no longer available for libraries. There is some state funding available, but is often difficult to obtain. The Friends organization says it will try to seek state funding once there is commitment from the townships and cities.