Officials Question Affordability
of New Minneapolis PL
With the Minneapolis Public Library facing a $25-million shortfall in its operating budget over the next 10 years—as well as likely additional cuts in state aid—some city leaders are questioning the wisdom of building a new central library.
Although voters in 2000 approved a referendum to build the library, the city council hasn’t yet issued the bonds to pay for it and is not obligated to do so, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported March 4. City Finance Director Patrick Born advised the library board to “hold your capital plan in abeyance until you determine how you’re going to operate.”
Kit Hadley, who was named MPL’s executive director February 21 and began duties March 3, said she would immediately start evaluating the system for cuts, but pointed out that costs of the temporary space are higher than they will be in the new building. “To delay construction would increase our current operating costs by $150,000 a month,” she said in the March 5 St. Paul Pioneer Press.
“It seems to me that it’s political suicide to have a referendum and then have the city council say, ‘No thanks, folks. We don’t want it,’” said Friends President Arvonne Fraser. “I think there’s a real question of trust with Minneapolis voters here.”
Posted March 10, 2003.
|
