Because the library tax renewal came up in another post, I thought it would be easier to address some of the issues that were raised in a new post:

1. The current tax millage, which was approved in 2015, began at 11.1 mills. Since then, it has been rolled back twice, and is currently at 9.89 mills. The new proposed millage rate is 10.51, and it too is expected to be rolled back twice in the new 10 year cycle.

2. Here's why the tax was rolled back: if in 2016, 11.1 mills produced $45 million in revenue, and because property generally appreciates in value, the tax is reduced, or rolled back, to a number that theoretically will generate the same $45 million.

3. I'm not in front of a computer as I write this, but of the library's roughly $100 million fund balance, $50 million is set aside for 2026 operations. The other $50 million is reserved for building new facilities, remodeling existing branches as they age, and funding unexpected expenses (roofs, A/C systems, etc)

4. Regarding new buildings, or new construction, a new South Branch, located in the Rouzan development, is practically complete from a construction standpoint; currently, shelving, desks, and other furniture is being delivered and assembled as needed, shelves are being filled with books and other materials, and computers and other electronic equipment is being installed. This branch is expected to open in very early March.

5. The only other "new" branch, currently in the discussion and planning phase, is a satellite or mini-branch at the old Earl K Long hospital site. This branch will be constructed in conjunction with other planned developments on the property, so if/when construction takes place has yet to be determined.

6. Some may consider this word parsing, or splitting hairs, but the Library Board is looking for property to replace/rebuild the Delmont Gardens branch. This facility was originally opened in the 80's, and added onto in the 90's, I think (again, I'm not in front of a computer to confirm this). The original building is now 40 years old, and much has changed in the way libraries are perceived and used in that time. Between the cost of remodeling, and bringing the building up to current building codes for plumbing, electrical, etc, the board determined that a new building would cost approximately the same amount, and would give the public a bigger "bang for the buck."

7. Other branches are being remodeled and upgraded based on oldest to newest. Just as tastes change, and the way we use our homes has changed over time, so too have libraries changed. Meeting and study rooms are being added, wiring and electronics are upgraded, and sadly for our society, security concerns and systems are being addressed and modified.

8. As someone already stated below, the Library is a pay-as-you-go system. Whether new construction or remodels, construction bills are paid as the work takes place. The Library system has no debt, aka no interest payments on any loans. Likewise, if a hurricane, flood, or other disaster affects a building, those invoices are paid promptly as repairs take place.

9. The library system is much more than a book repository. There are CD's, DVD's, and many other resources available. The Baton Rouge room has both genealogy and local historical items and information available. Bookmobiles make visits to daycare centers, headstart class rooms, and nursing home/senior centers. Maker spaces teach everything from sewing to robotics, allowing individuals to try new things, and learn new skills, without investing in what can sometimes be expensive equipment. For those who are unemployed, the Job Center helps people update a resume and posts job listings. And, the library pays for database subscriptions that would cost individuals sometimes hundreds per year, and provides them free to patrons.

There's more, but because I've already written a short novel, I'll stop for now. However, as a member of the Library Board of Control, I'll answer or address any other questions or concerns you may have.

TL;DR - the library property tax, and how it is used, is not a short and simple answer. Please see above for more info.