Springville hopes voters OK library bond

SPRINGVILLE — There's no debate here about the adequacies of the public library facilities — the common consensus is they're abysmally subpar.

"We're out of room," said library director Pam Vaughn of the 8,100-square-foot library. "We don't have enough room for this library."

The big question for Springville voters on the ballot Tuesday is whether the city can afford to issue $9.8 million in bonds to construct a state-of-the-art library, given the current economic climate.

"Really, it's been about the economy," said City Administrator Troy Fitzgerald of recent discussions about the bond.

If voters approve the library bond, Springville will issue $9.8 million in general bonds to mature over the next 21 years to cover the costs of acquiring, constructing and building new library facilities. City officials estimate the total budget will be more than $14 million — the rest is expected to be covered through other funding sources and donations.

The city is still in the planning phase, but officials hope to build a library as large as 45,000 square feet by the end of 2010.

If the bond is approved, the financial impact to local residents is expected to be around $27.12 per $100,000 in valuation on a resident's home. The owner of a home valued around $233,332 — the median price of a Springville home — would pay an additional $63.19 in taxes per year.

Some say it's an unwise time to bond.

"You know what I think about bonds?" asks longtime Springville resident Rell Francis. "It's bondage."

On the other hand, Fitzgerald and City Councilman J. Neil Strong said they think this is a fine time to get the ball rolling because bond rates and costs of construction are low.

"It's an inexpensive time to bond," Fitzgerald said. "And it's a great time to build."

"The hope for me is that people will be forward thinking," Strong added. "This building is going to be here a long time."

Springville resident Kent Palfreyman, 87, who opposes the library bond, said the city should finish its other projects, including constructing a new civic center and fire station, before it takes on any more debt.

"The world economy outlook does not predict a good season," he said. "Can we as a citizenship afford an increase in taxation?"

Strong said the city will have to explore other options if the bond doesn't pass, but he hopes it does.

"I already voted for it," he said. "I'm sure somebody already voted against it."

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