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Grants Pass Daily Courier - Locals show support for library district at public hearing
6/9/14, 11:57 AM
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Locals show support for library district at
public hearing
By Jim Moore of the Daily Courier
Comments (2 comment(s))
"We love our libraries." This was the
message from about two dozen people
who attended a public hearing
Thursday about forming a library
district. Even three people who
opposed the district said they support
the county's four libraries.
Those three were in the minority,
though, as 15 other people urged
Josephine County commissioners to
place a proposal on the ballot in the
November general election that would
create an independent library district.
JENNIFER ROBERTS and KEITH HECK
The public hearing was a formality and
commissioners have every intent to
move forward with the district
question, which is on the table
because volunteers collected more
than 10,000 signatures to put the
issue on the ballot.
Flash
The Board of Commissioners is
required to ensure that all
requirements have been met, things
such as conforming with planning rules
and having the approval of the cities of
Grants Pass and Cave Junction to allow
voters to weigh in. Two public hearings
are also required. The second hearing will be July 9 at 5 p.m. at Anne Basker Auditorium,
604 N.W. Sixth St.
At Thursday's hearing, volunteers and library users from one end of the county to the
other emphasized how important the libraries are to their communities.
The county's four library branches — Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Williams and Wolf Creek
— are operated by a private nonprofit called Josephine Community Libraries. JCL formed
in 2007 after county commissioners shuttered the library system due to budget cuts. JCL
operates primarily through a combination of donations, grants and scores of unpaid
volunteers.
At least two people who spoke during the hearing said they are supporters of the libraries
and have volunteered many hours. However, one told commissioners the libraries are
doing fine and it isn't fair to ask taxpayers to support the district, while the other
questioned whether the JCL board has done a good job of tapping into its donor base.
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Both points were rebutted by Jennifer Roberts, a former JCL board president who has
been involved with the group since its inception.
"We did amazing work," she said, referring to efforts to raise money. But it isn't enough,
she added. JCL has been dipping into its reserves and is losing money, she said. "To say
the library is doing just fine is wrong."
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Roberts also said library supporters have continued to seek donations.
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If the district is approved, it would be authorized to levy a property tax not to exceed 39
cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or a maximum of $78 annually on a property
assessed at $200,000. The district would be supervised by an elected, independent board
http://www.thedailycourier.com/articles/2014/06/06/community/news03.txt
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Grants Pass Daily Courier - Locals show support for library district at public hearing
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6/9/14, 11:57 AM
assessed at $200,000. The district would be supervised by an elected, independent board
of directors.
In addition to expanding hours, supporters spoke of improved Internet access for county
residents, particularly in rural areas of the county where such access is sketchy at times.
"If you have that (library) card you have access to the world," Commissioner Keith Heck
said.
The Internet issue prompted county critic and videographer Dale Matthews to testify that
he is concerned about access to pornography via library computers. He said that there
are no filters and that he was able to locate pornography on a library computer during a
30-second search.
Several district supporters pointed out that JCL has policies regarding illegal use of
computers and that specific filters are imperfect.
Kate Lasky, executive director of JCL, explained the policy and added that, "It's a shame
people like Mr. Matthews use (library computers) for that."
Matthews also said he supports libraries but he doesn't believe taxpayers should pay for
the district.
Steve Chroninger, manager of the Wolf Creek branch of the library, brought the hearing
back on point.
"Whether the libraries should be supported by tax dollars is a question for the voters to
decide," he said.
———
Reach reporter Jim Moore at 541-474-3721 or [email protected]
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent
the view of The Daily Courier. (Please read comment rules.)
Concerned Citizen wrote on Jun 6, 2014 6:49 PM:
" Like you said it is all a formality!
The biggest question to voters that is often overlooked is that this is a PERMANENT
TAX.
Flash
It doesn't disappear in 3 or 5 years. It doesn't stop the library from raising funds or
increasing user fees or even going to the Commissioners for Economic Development
funding.
Do your research.... I too love the libraries but when people aren't true to the
accounting, then what? "
Careful Spender wrote on Jun 7, 2014 6:43 PM:
" There are NO USER FEES! That's the entire point of "public library!" If people choose
to give more, such as targeted gifts to replace specific collections, that's just wonderful.
It's a permanent rate that is the lowest of any Oregon library district, thanks to a huge
cadre of dedicated volunteers who have indicated they want to stay. The library will
have to live within these means for decades to come. I believe this organization has
been above and beyond "true to the accounting." The trust has been well-earned.
Josephine Community Libraries is NOT the county government. It has proven worthy of
our investment. I do not love county taxes; I will vote for this one. "
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Grants Pass Daily Courier - Locals show support for library district at public hearing
6/9/14, 11:57 AM
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