 Board Predicts 14-Cent Levy for Library Bond Issue
Friday, February 1, 2008,
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The tax levy for the bond issue that would fund an extensive $3.4 million renovation project at the Livingston
County Library was predicted yesterday (Thursday) by the Livingston County Library Board of Trustees.
The tax levy for the renovation is projected to be about $0.14 per $100 valuation. These figures are based on
current interest rates for a 20-year bond.
“A person who owns a home valued at $100,000 would pay approximately $26 a year for these improvements,” Robin Westphal, library director explained.
In January, the Livingston County Library Board approved a resolution calling for a bond election for the library renovation. The bond issue will be placed on the April 8 ballot. The vote would need 4/7 (57 percent) approval to pass.
Library
Question to be Placed on April 8 Ballot
Friday, January 18, 2008,
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A bond issue that would fund an extensive $3.4 million renovation project at the
Livingston County Library will be placed on the April 8 ballot.
The Livingston County Library Board of Trustees met yesterday (Thursday) during a special meeting at the library and unanimously approved the resolution calling for a bond election.
Just prior to the unanimous vote, Dale Wallace, vice president, commented that the idea of renovating the historic building is not a new one.
“This has been a topic of discussion ever since I came on the board six years ago,” Wallace noted. He added that when the board hired director Robin Westphal two years ago, the board charged her with the task of proceeding with the idea of possible renovations to the building.
Renovating the historic building, Wallace says, is long overdue. In fact, aside from some cosmetic changes to the library in the past few years, an extensive renovation project improving its infrastructure - i.e. the plumbing and wiring, has never been done.
“And that's where all the major problems are,” Wallace said.
Meeting with the board were attorney Toni I. Stegeman, with Gilmore & Bell, PC, Kansas City, Mo.; and Michael L. Hartmann, vice president of Commerce Bank, Columbia, Mo.
Prior to the resolution vote, Stegeman and the board examined the language involved with the bond question and Hartmann advised the panel on bonding issues.
The question gives broad authorization for the board to direct funds toward the payment of renovating, repairing, improving and equipping the existing Livingston County Library. Those practices would include extensive plumbing and electrical improvements, installation of central heating and air, technology improvements, renovations and restorations providing public meeting rooms, restrooms and administrative space, other improvements required for safety and handicapped accessibility, enabling full use of all levels of the building. |
