Library Tax Referendum

Referendum Day is rapidly approaching, and I see only “Vote Yes” signs along the roads. Where are the “Vote “No” signs? Am I the only one who opposes the idea of a new tax? Let’s get our facts straight: Pike County Borough struggles because of falling revenues. Even the relief from the library contribution of $200k will not have significant impact. The business community in Pike County (and especially Milford) is struggling to survive. Many residents have lost jobs or live on reduced incomes. In short, to describe the financial situation of, and in, Pike County as bleak is probably an understatement. Along comes an unelected body (the PCPL Board) and asks for an additional tax levy, which is going to hit the ailing business community as well as each individual property tax payer. Let’s no deceive ourselves: the $35 “average” will convert into more for many of us. Apart from the Constitutional concerns whether the public, by referendum, does actually have a right to impose new taxes, what will happen if the majority votes “Yes”? The money will flow to into the budget of a public institution run by unelected officials. Does anybody know what accounting requirements exist (apart from: hey, the money is gone)? Do we, as the tax payers, have any influence over where, and how, the new tax money is spent? No. Can we prevent the construction of an expensive new library in Milford instead of pumping the money into a more modest construction with more emphasis on improved services? No. Does the current Board actually disclose the number of library card holders and daily/weekly/annual users? No. Do we have a say in the new construction of library branches? No. Do we have any form of accountability by the current PCPL Board? No. Even if I did like the proposed new library building for Milford’s Harford Street (which I don’t), would it not be sensible, to reflect the present economic uncertainties, to opt for something cheaper than $8m plus (with an option to add another “wing” when matters improve)? Would it not be appropriate to place more emphasis on improving the actual library services (including the employee salaries) than on investing in “brick and mortar”? I do not have to be persuaded that a new library is necessary. The case has been made, and is a solid one - no arguments here. I am just not persuaded, judging by the way and manner in which the current (unelected) Board has handled the matter of the new library project that I can have any confidence in the same Board when it comes to administering a “windfall” of improved income, and since the Board has shown that it is close to impervious to any form of criticism, I am very uneasy about the prospect of an unlected body of individuals administering a newly imposed tax. You may think differently, but I see this as a very dangerous precedent that ought to be stopped before inception. Hence, I shall vote “no” on Referendum Day. I encourage you to think very, very carefully before you cast your vote. Jurgen W Schulze Milford