Measure 15-66

Six years ago the Jackson County Library District hit us up for $38.9 million to build some fine new buildings. We got ours in Gold Hill two years ago. I've been in there once or twice. There's a lot of empty space.

Now they're back asking for more money. Measure 16-66 asks for 66¢ per thousand—a hundred bucks a year for most of us—to boost their "modest" budget. I dug around online and found a few numbers. Have a look:

Source: Library District Feasability Report, March 2006.

Has your household budget increased by 50% in five years? I know mine hasn't.

According to the measure's explanatory statement, each year the library loans 1,472,000 items. That's right. Each year they loan out 1.5 million items at a cost of 8.5 million dollars. To spend so much money to so little effect is beyond the ability of the private citizen. That kind of waste requires a government agency.

We'd almost be better off—factor in the cost of those fine new buildings and we would be better off—to give each patron a gift certificate to Amazon: Here, buy your own books. And keep them when you're done.

I don't know about you, but I've had enough. I'm voting "NO" on Measure 15-66.