MARQUETTE, MI-- Marquette Township has terminated its contract with Peter White Public Library.
Township Supervisor Lyn Durant says because of huge growth and state equalized value the municipality is giving the library about $211,000 a year—a lot more than any other township—even though each taxes residents 1 mill. She says property tax appeals have drained township accounts, but officials must still provide basic services and contribute money beyond millages, like matching funds for grants, to provide what residents say they want.
Durant thinks some of the funds going to the library could be used in other areas so township taxes don’t become unbearable.
“It’s trying to protect the taxpayer. We’re trying to protect our residents from being overly burdened with too much. But, like I said, we have to have our central services, so that’s our main concern.”
Durant says Marquette Township will put the library millage back on the ballot if residents want it, but the contract had to be canceled, first. She notes the move is nothing against the library and there will be no interruption in service, but funding the service—perhaps by buying residents individual cards—will have to change.
Township and library officials are now trying to figure out what the next step will be. Library Interim Director Bruce MacDonald says he’s checking with the Library of Michigan.
The current contract will run through the end of the year.
