News coverage of the proposed library district fails to reveal some key issues. Apparently a consulting firm is to be hired. Are these funds to come from the city general fund, and if so, how much will the consultant cost? Why not use this money instead to expand library hours to include Sunday?
Apparently approval of the library district would “free up” money within the city’s general fund. Creating a new library district means imposing a new property tax on Durango homeowners. How much will this new mill levy cost individual homeowners? And who sits on this five-member panel who is making the decision on whether to hire a consulting firm or not? Who chose the members of this panel?
A city library is a valuable public resource that is rightfully funded by general fund tax dollars. Shifting the cost of library operations to a new taxing district and in the process raising property taxes on homeowners erodes trust in our local elected officials.
Chris Paulson
Durango
