Council Votes to Support Library Millage

Fenton City Council members voted in favor of lending their support to the Genesee District Library Monday in getting a millage increase passed.

Coming up on the ballot on May 3, the millage is a county-wide effort to help the 19 branches—including Fenton's Jack R. Winegarden Library—to continue to operate at their current level.  

If it passes, the millage would cover six years, increase taxes by .25 mills--or $0.25 on each $1,000 of taxable property value--and would raise approximately $2,208,000 in its first year to funds such things as books, librarian and staff salaries, computers and a variety of programs.

“I was extremely impressed with the library's efforts to cut costs already. They've reduced books and staff, re-negotiated contracts with all the book vendors and there's a staff salary and benefit freeze for the next four years,” said Fenton Township resident Beth McKenna, of the Library Now Committee. “That all will continue, regardless of the millage passing.”

Though the council voted unanimously to publicly support the effort, some did have concerns.

“I support it, how can I not support it? I'm in agreement with everything the library does for our community,” said Councilman Tim Faricy. “But I'm a little hesitant to ask residents to vote for a county tax increase when the city is having budget issues, too.”

Several board members acknowledged that times were tough financially for many area residents and that they might be resistant to any tax hike.

“I can afford it,” said Councilwoman Cheryl King of the millage. “But I know some people who can't even afford to buy trash bags.”

Many people rely on the library for access to information, entertainment and educational activities for their children.

“It's the people who are struggling financially that will most benefit from the libraries,” said McKenna. “In these times, people can't afford to go to the movies so they check out DVD's from the library or use the computer because they can't afford one of their own.”

State funding for the library has decreased by 57 percent and is expected to be reduced even further, while property tax revenues have also decreased by 15 percent.

“If we don't get more funding, the library could be closed for days at a time,” said McKenna. “I'd hate to see that happen.”

Fenton Mayor Sue Osborn said she supports the ballot proposal completely.

“I go to the library every week with my grandchildren and it's a well-used asset,” Osborn said.

Other council business included approving a public hearing notice for Consumers Energy customers, granting requests for a bike tour and a VFW Buddy Poppy Campaign and proclaiming May 1, 2011 Law Day.