HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_0351 (2)It was the consensus of the board to postpone the request until the August 3
meeting, and for the plan to be shared with the Fire Tax Board members at their July 19
meeting.
REQUEST FROM THE TOWN OF MOORESVILLE REGARDING
FUNDING FOR THE MOORESVILLE LIBRARY: Joining the county
commissioners were Town of Mooresville Mayor Al Jones and Commissioners Alice
Lee, Mitchell Mack, Danny Beaver, Franklin Campbell, Frank Owens, and Mitch
Abraham. The Mooresville officials asked for additional library funding, and some of
their comments were:
Mitchell Mack: Would like the southern end of the county to be treated more
equitably.
Danny Beaver: Asked how the library funding was computed and whether or not there
was a formula. He said past newspaper articles had quoted county
officials as stating they were not adequately informed about
the impending needs of the town library, especially in regards to
the renovation and expansion. Beaver said charrettes had been held to
notify the public and community. He said money was needed to
purchase new books and these needed to be on hand when the
improvements were finished in March of 2005.
Mitch Abraham: Stated the lines of communication between the town and county
needed to be improved. He said it would be "great" having a new
facility in Statesville and a newly expanded one in Mooresville.
Abraham said, "We need to work hand-in-hand"
Frank Owens: Said the library needed to be adequately stocked or the public would
be disappointed. He said, "I want what's coming to us,
but we're asking for anything you can give us."
Alice Lee: Appealed to the county commissioners to equitably fund the library.
Franklin Campbell: Stated the municipality's population was growing, and there was
no way the town could sufficiently operate the library with the fimding
appropriated by the county.
Commissioner Tice mentioned the library study done several years ago. She
said it recommended that more library services be offered in the Mooresville area, and
the county had discussed the options of either partnering with the Town or constructing
a branch. Mrs. Tice said at that time it was felt that one larger facility, in conjunction
with the town, would be the best option.
Library Director Steve Messick said the study recommended expanding the
Statesville library with a branch facility in Mooresville of at least 18,000 sq. ft.
Abraham asked if this would have been a separate facility from Mooresville's
library.
Mashburn said yes; however, he didn't recall the study recommending for the
Statesville expansion and the Mooresville branch to occur at the same time. He said
there was no formula for the library funding, and it was simply based on the availability
of funds.
Commissioner Tice said she didn't recall a timeframe either, but the town was
never told to delay its project until the Statesville library was completed.
Mashburn said the county did not have enough money to fund a $1.2 million
Mooresville library. He said the library was funded at $691,290 for FY 04-05, and the
requested amount was $1,174,004.
Mayor Jones said 34,000 sq. feet was being added to the library, and new
employees, books (5110,000) , and wiring ($119,000) were needed. He mentioned that
the town funded one-third ($300,000) of the Mooresville Transfer Station's operating
expenses, and he asked if the county would allow $200,000 of the $300,000 to be used