Dear Commissioner Judah and other BOCC
To the editor:
The $9,000,000- FMB Library Expansion is 6 times more expensive per voter than the new RED SOX Stadium, with no projected increase in revenue. In fact you were provided with a brief (and somewhat insufficient) “Public Facilities Report” on 12-30-2010, that stated twice the current square footage would only increase operating costs by 6-11 percent. RED FLAG!!! RED FLAG!!! This projection of expenses defies common sense.
The FMB Town Council has been examining its power under F.S. Chapter 189 as it relates to each local general-purpose government in which the FMB Library Taxing District is located. The Library Board attorney (former Town of Fort Myers Beach attorney) Anne Dalton has publicly stated the Town of Fort Myers Beach has only zoning/permitting authority and no other affiliation with the FMB Library Taxing District. I believe our current Town Attorney Jim Humphrey has a different view.
Opponents have launched a website (www.BeachLibrary.com) where it includes the link to the FAQ page from www.TheNewBeachLibrary.com and compares the points of contention, then provides an opportunity for interested people to email the board members with comments and questions. According to Florida Library Association Standards for Florida Public Libraries, the current library is already twice the size of the recommended “exemplary” size (the highest standard listed). The expansion will exceed 4 times the recommended size. This could easily be construed as misuse of tax dollars. Please read the points on the home page of www.BeachLibrary.com as they address the citizen concerns that Library Board members refuse to acknowledge. Voters want an opportunity to decide by referendum.
Please look into this $9,000,000- matter, as it appears to be the biggest rip-off in Lee County since Vickie Lopez-Wolfe! It is clear the voters, taxpayers and citizens should have a right to affirm by voter consensus the $9,000,000- expansion. I know Lee BOCC has a lot of business on the beach already, judging by your meeting last week, but we really need your help. This project is financial suicide for our town, both the initial cost and the underestimated “future financial impact”. Please exercise your responsibilities under F.S. Chapter 189 and demand strict compliance by the FMB Library Taxing District. The statute was designed to be our check and balance for instances like this.
Sam Lurie
Fort Myers Beach