Fulton voters will speak on library bond

The Nov. 4 general election will test Fulton County residents’ love of their libraries.

During one of the most difficult economic times in years, Fulton officials will ask whether voters are willing to increase their property taxes to pay for a $275 million library building program —- by far the most expensive library construction program in state history.

In fact, the plan is so costly it requires $125 million more than the combined costs of all library bonds offered in Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett since 1985 —- when Fulton voters last approved a library bond. Its cost is five times the next most costly library bond ever approved.

If voters say yes, that will be just the beginning.

Fulton taxpayers would also be adopting a huge expense every year to maintain, operate and staff the new and expanded buildings.

Still, library director John Szabo feels confident that voters will approve the bond program. He’s been rallying support for the plan for more than a year and held three dozen community meetings across Fulton County to discuss it.

He stresses that the owner of a $300,000 home will pay about $3 a month in new taxes to pay for it.

“An argument can be made that in these tough economic times, people need their libraries even more,” Szabo said. “I’m not saying, ‘Look beyond the current crunch.’ I am saying, ‘Look at what this means in terms of how it will affect your neighborhood. Also, look at the bigger picture of how it will affect the broader community.’ “

County Commissioner Robb Pitts said that despite the troubled economy, he still believed in the value of the library expansion program. “This is an important investment in the infrastructure of the county,” Pitts said.

Others aren’t convinced county officials should be raising taxes now.

“At this time?” said local artist Max Eternity, who has followed the library bond. “This economic crisis didn’t just start yesterday. What are they thinking? It’s absolutely insane. It’s an egregious misuse of the public trust and public treasury.”

Still, plenty of folks support the building program. Fulton has mobilized local library supporters all over the county. Plus, the plan voters will consider on Election Day offers something for just about every area of the county, whether it’s new construction, renovation or an addition.

Overall, the building program would add eight new libraries —- three in Atlanta, three in north Fulton and two in south Fulton —- at a cost of about $133 million. Two libraries would be expanded at $33.3 million and 23 branches would be renovated for another $24 million. Eight facilities would close.

Fulton’s library system would continue to operate 34 branches, the most in the state.

That compares to 22 in DeKalb, 16 in Cobb and 14 in Gwinnett.

The building program voters are considering has changed markedly since its earliest versions were made public last year. Some changes came from suggestions made during the community meetings. Other ideas came from politicians. Roswell residents and city officials, for instance, convinced the library system to add a new branch in eastern Roswell.

One of the most significant and most expensive changes was to include $84.8 million to help pay to build a new central library in downtown Atlanta. Library officials don’t have a plan or site for a new central library, and the amount represents only half of the cost of whatever might get built —- officials hope to raise the rest from private donors.

Pitts persuaded his colleagues to add the money to the plan after complaining that the present central library, built nearly 30 years ago, should be replaced. The boxy concrete structure with tiny windows —- an example of “brutalist” style architecture by noted architect Marcel Breuer —- would be sold if Fulton could find a buyer.

Roswell resident Eileen Seidman said getting the bond approved is crucially important not only for her community, but for all of Fulton County. She’s concerned that the uncertain economy and the last-minute inclusion of a new central library will drag it down.

“It will be a tragedy if this doesn’t go through,” Seidman said. “I don’t feel like the cost is astronomical. This is for our children. The children need these libraries.”

NEW BUILDING OVERDUE?

One of the biggest items on the library bond referendum is $84.8 million to help pay for a new central library in downtown Atlanta. Built 30 years ago, the current building has been criticized for stark architecture and minimal windows. Plans would be to sell the building if the library is replaced.