We've had several inquiries regarding statements made by the Select Board (as reported in the Gardner News last Thursday) in relation to the Library's budget. The paper stated that the Library is in agreement with a lower, bare minimum budget to fund next fiscal year (beginning July 1, 2009). The Select Board further stated support of a citizens petition to present an override ballot question to make up the difference.
It is believed that the citizens petition was meant to be a safety net in the event the town did not have the funds to meet the Library's budget request. As stated by Finance Committee members, the funds to fully meet the Library's needs will be available beginning in July. Fully funding the Library means re-certification in 15 months with a possible appeal option even sooner!
The Library is NOT in support of the split budget - part contingent on an override, part funded through current tax base. It is the Library's request that full funding be restored without an override.
Conversations with Select Board members have provided some insight on this "plan" however, the Library still does not support this approach. To date, there are no other overrides being presented this year.
Patrons have been asking how they can help support full funding of the Library. First and foremost, they can help by contacting the Select Board members and telling then how you feel. Letters to the Select Board can be sent to hubselectboard@charterinternet.com. The Library Trustees will be on the Monday, March 30 Select board Meeting agenda to discuss the funding of the Library. Feel free to join us - all Select board meetings are open to the public.
Secondly, please tell friends and neighbors to support the Library at Annual Town Meeting.
Last and most importantly, thank you for your continued support - we are operating a bare-bones, stand-alone Library funded through donations only at this time. Our patrons have made a huge difference in the past 9 months and we believe they can influence our future.
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It was my understanding that the petition initiated by Walter Ducharme was to be used as a safety net and I signed it as such. If the Finance Committee states that funds are available to fully fund the library they should be used for that purpose and we should not resort to split budget funding. The library should cease to be used as "candy" or "whipping boy". One complete year of private funding has depleted funds used to that end.
Please forward this to the Selectboard as an expression of my extreme displeasure.
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