Council approves examination of funds for Chambers Plaza Library

Following a suggestion from Councilwoman Renie Peterson, the city council directed staff to look at reserve funds to provide more than $30,000 to keep the Chambers Plaza Library open until the end of the year.

The money would help cover the cost of hiring two temporary employees who would not draw benefits. Last week, the facility's landlord offered to cover rent costs for the upcoming year.

"Right now there’s above $20 million in policy reserve. I want to ask all of you to please consider keeping this open until the end of the year," Peterson said.

The suggestion drew support from other council members.

"It seems to be a relatively affordable amount – the policy reserve is there for this," said Councilman Larry Beer. "Even beyond the importance of the Chambers Library to the community it serves … I’m also mindful of the other tenants in that shopping center. If we are working really hard to develop and grow and expand businesses of every size … I think the last thing we want to do is … cause yet another vacant store front in a shopping center."

Following counsel from City Attorney Charles Richardson to allow staff to properly study the impact of such a withdrawal on the city's bond rating, the council agreed to widen the scope of the potential source for the funds. Staff will look for other sources and will update council next week.

Still, the prospect of making an exception for the library drew some hesitation from council.

"We keep on saying that we can’t afford to do every program all the time. I’m struggling with this … we’re getting away from our idea," said Councilman Brad Pierce. "We just have to bite the bullet and make some tough decisions."

Despite the misgivings, the council voted overwhelmingly to have staff look for the requisite $30,000 plus in different city funds.