City decides on August date for library bond

At the request of the library board, the Mountain Home City Council has agreed to move the library expansion bond election to August 3, 2004. During its Feb. 23 session, the Council voted unanimously to authorize the staff to move forward for a $1.5 million bond election at the next opportunity.

State code allows elections only four times per year: the first Tuesday in February, the fourth Tuesday in May, the first Tuesday in August or the Tuesday following the first Monday in November.

But with much still left to be done before the issue can be put before the voters, librarian Luise House noted the May date would mean an "incredibly short time frame" to try for the bond.

The new design will add 7,058 sq. ft. to the facility which was originally constructed in 1976. The proposed design brings a 'Barnes and Noble concept' to the forefront. A reading area that could include a coffee bar would offer an opportunity to generate some revenue. The plan also features an inviting patio area that will provide an additional gathering place.

Dan Hutchison, of Hutchison, Smith Architects, was asked to evaluate and determine the potential for expansion at the library's current location. He came back with a proposal that should meet the needs of the community well into the future.

Taking into account the size of the property, the required setbacks and the city ordinances for off-street parking requirements, he soon determined the site would allow an expansion that could more than double the size of the current facility.

The library board's desire for an expanded reading area, an addition to the juvenile section as well as an expansion of the collection for adults, a new multiuse meeting room and audio/video area, were all part of the plan designed to meet each need.

The board had stressed the desire for the library to be a comfortable gathering place for the community as well as a resource center designed to meet its needs well into the future.

A new multipurpose meeting room also offers an opportunity to generate revenue. The library's current meeting room is being used by the city parks and recreation department for its Discovery program.

The proposed youth addition could accommodate the library's many programs designed especially for the young readers.

The new design will allow the library to add up to 20 computer stations, some specifically for the juvenile area as well as others for the adult section to offer an independent learning center for all patrons.

The plan also will allow both the juvenile and adult book collections to grow as well as providing the library an opportunity to meet the needs of its bilingual patrons.

The initial rough cost estimates of $1,058,177 to construct do not include engineering fees, furnishing/fixture costs, minor interior changes and some grounds improvements such as concrete and sprinkler system updates. The library board asked the city to move forward with a proposed bond of $1.5 million.

The city can use general obligation bonds to finance an addition to the library. The bonds will require a super majority voter approval (66 2/3 percent) and will result in an additional tax levy to make the debt service payments on the bonds.