Pike debates libraries & taxes

Oversight and location were themes at Taxpayers United forum MILFORD — Over 80 people came to the question and answer session at the Milford Borough Hall on Wednesday to hear about the proposed new library system for Pike County and its cost. At times the discussion got heated, but most of the meeting, organized by Taxpayers-United, was cordial. “We are audited twice a year,” said Rebecca Lindsay for the board, in reply to a question about ‘taxpayer’ oversight as to spending of the projected $1 million the Nov. 3 referendum would generate. Only two of the nine members of the board are appointed by the commissioners. Several questioners asked if elected officials might be appropriate for overseeing the spending. Gordon Olsommer, a Greene Township resident spoke in opposition. He commented, “Someone’s pulling the strings from the grave”, making his point about the proposed location of the new central library system in Milford. Library board members explained that the money for the new library had been granted with the stipulation that it’s built in Milford. Olsommer said that in these hard economic times it’s hard to ask anyone for more money, and that if built at all, the new central library system plans should be cut down and be built in a more central location. The money to build the new central library in Milford, and the proposed tax are for different purposes. The building money has been raised through donations and grants, while the ongoing operation costs for the whole county-wide system would be funded by the tax. The last time there was property re-assessment was in the seventies (actually 1995), said Olsommer, and if a new one is done, the estimated $35 per property could easily triple. There were also several questions about how to reverse the tax if it proved to be a burden. Everyone agrees that a good, free library system, as started by Ben Franklin himself, is a great community service, but Olsommer argued the importance of internet access in libraries will most likely diminish in the next five years in keeping with technological trends and lower computer costs. He said the library plan should be downsized, and the extra money needed should be raised by such means as fundraisers and door-to-door canvassing. He also suggested cuts in library staff pay. Library Director Ellen Schaffner replied that she’s already been making cuts since May. Library officials say that the libraries will face cuts in both services and personnel, and possible closings, if more funding is not available for the system.