Library board to shrink budget by 20 percent
The Fort Myers Beach Library Board made quick work in setting its tentative millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2011-12 in the library conference room on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
Within 30 minutes, the five present Board members unanimously adopted a tentative millage rate of 0.4999 and a proposed budget in the amount of $1,592,565.
Library Board members Lorrie Wolf and Karen Swanbeck were absent from the evening hearings.
After two residents offered public input, the Board motioned to adopt the aforementioned millage rate. Library Director Leroy Hommerding began the discussion by explaining the draft budget document and draft construction worksheet he had handed to those in attendance.
The budget sheet provided figures in reference to the current fiscal year compared to the proposed budget for October2011 through September 2012 and the percentage change between periods. The draft worksheet showed the construction fund ($8,029,673) and Final Bond Payment (-$695,413) for a $7,334,260 forward difference and summarized budgetary numbers for its balancing expenditures.
Budgetary line items were discussed in detail during the board’s July workshop. The current millage rate is 0.5958 and the current budget is $1,888,324.
“If you check your TRIM notice, you’ll be hard pressed to find other districts that have lowered their taxes,” said Board President Katie Corning. “Our proposed millage rate for next year is 0.4999, which is a 20 percent reduction.”
There have been questions from some residents about the need for an expanded library on Estero Island.
“We need to stay very focused and responsive to the will of the community at large,” said Hommerding. “The funds are on hand. We have a reputable contractor and a board, staff, director and a community that is directed to the direction we are moving.”
He applauded his board members for reducing the millage rate in a year the library is undergoing major construction. It was cited the board held roll back rates during the fiscal years between 2000 and 2005.
The Beach Library is currently in its fifth month of construction. Hommerding reported the project is on schedule to move into its building expansion in March/April 2012 and officials are set for a grand opening in September/October 2012.
“At that point, when we have our grand opening, the building will be paid for in full,” he said.
The final budget will be set on Tuesday, Sept. 27, as the first part of the board’s monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m.