HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-0413 Study Session MIN
MINUTES FOR THE STUDY SESSION
ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 5:15 p.m.
Civic Center Council Chambers
1175 East Main Street
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
APRIL 13, 2006
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Council Chair Russ Silbiger called the meeting to order at 5: 15 p.m.
Councilors Hartzell, Hardesty, Silbiger and Chapman were present. Mayor Morrison and Councilors Amarotico
and Jackson were absent.
I. Libra" District Election
Ronnie Lee Budge, Library Director for Jackson County introduced Jim Fety who presented the information on the
proposed Library District Election.
Mr. Fety explained that the Jackson County Board of Commissioners created a Library Advisory Committee and
charged them with finding alternative funding for libraries. He briefly went through the steps that the advisory
committee had completed, which included outreach to the community.
Mr. Fetytouched on the needs of the library, expenses associated with the library and how current funding does not
meet the current needs. He explained that the advisory committee had determined that a property tax would the best
source of funding through a Library District. He stated that the advisory committee recommends a permanent tax rate
of $1.18 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Mr. Fety explained that in order to include the various cities on the ballot, the cities would have to provide a
resolution that allows for this. He is requesting that the Council consider a resolution to include the City of Ashland
in the new district. The target date for the election would be November 7, 2006.
Mr. F ety stated that the survey sent out included questions regarding the proposed tax rate and that the lower tax rate
garnered the most support, but there was an overwhelming support for a Library District. He explained that a
consultant had been used to help determine the proposed tax rate based on services provided. He stated that those that
love the library will support the library.
It was clarified that the Jackson County Library office is also looking over and checking the data which based its
recommended tax rate of $1.18 for library services.
Ms. Budge acknowledged that the report did not take into consideration that the City of Ashland does own the
building and that it is a unique situation.
It was clarified that the unincorporated property owners would be included in the Library District. Ms. Budge
was not able to report on what the current obligation of library services is to the residents of Ashland.
Consensus was to provide a resolution to the Council for their consideration at a council meeting in May 2006.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder