re: How is the OT Going to Vote on THRIVE?

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and i say that, and all the other crap i've said and i know that these proposal are probably for the better of everyone if they pass. And i only say that b/c the library tax is ridiculous and i'd rather it go to just about anything else. What this proposal is, is a bailout for the city of BR, which was inevitable b/c they have been relying on St. George money without giving it back for decades. Whatever. Take the damn money, b/c i know this proposal will pass with flying colors, and start managing THE CITY OF BR money better going forward, and don't ask the residents of St. George, Central, Zachary or Baker for money again.

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Sir, I initially thought the same thing, but eventually came around to supporting the plan because like you said they are probably better for everyone.

This is a big opportunity for our parish because there is something in it for us all and it’s not costing us more.

I checked out a book last week. I probably go to the Goodwood branch at least once every week or two.

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When was the last time you went to the main library and checked out a book?

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To check out a book? It's been a while for me, but my wife does so routinely. She actually just returned a few yesterday. With that said, I was in a week or so ago to use their printers because I needed to scan a legal sized document and my home printer couldn't accommodate.

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FTR, I've never been the new main library. I don't think any of my family members have ever been in the new main library.

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This actually explains your position on the subject. The main library is an incredible resource for the city, far beyond the availability of books. You're genuinely missing out.

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Philosophical question for another thread: Why do we need libraries any more? The answer to every research question we have is in our pocket. Most books we'd like to read are downloadable into our electronic devices. Instead of building archaic brick and mortar buildings why don't spend the money the Library Board already has to fully develop a comprehensive e-resource library for us to access?

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This also speaks to your ignorance (and I don't mean that in any insulting way) on the subject. The EBRPL already has an obscenely extensive e-resource library, from ebooks (which is why I no longer check out physical books, as I primarily read on my Kindle), to digital services subscriptions.

Seriously, spend some time on the website looking at services provided and then make a trip. From sports fields to a botanic garden, from hard copy books to 3D printers, our main library is a genuine asset to the city.

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It really is. The downtown library was a boondoggle, but the Goodwood library is always busy. Tons of people reading, studying, walking the gardens, or attending lectures and events. They have great career resources, too. One could argue that it’s a luxury we can’t afford, but anyone who has set foot in that library can attest that it’s a great resource for our community.

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Yup. But as a point of distinction, while one could argue it's a luxury we couldn't afford, we have it now. I might disagree with someone who says that we should have spent the money elsewhere, but now that it exists, I'll damned near fight to the death anyone who besmirches it. That building and the surrounding grounds might be the central crown jewel of the fricking city

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It definitely is while the lakes are still disgusting throughout this endless cleanup project

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In fairness to the lakes project, it's not that far behind, and the drought causing the delay is reasonable. Further, the dredging was always going to be the part that was frustrating because it made things worse before they got better. Hopefully we start seeing improvement over the next twelve months.

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From sports fields to a botanic garden

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Really?

I mostly hate that May Street is closed because that was both a major cut through for traffic and my favorite route for walking the lakes.

My question is why is the Library funding sports fields and botanical gardens. That’s not in their realm of responsibility.

Are you sure those sports fields and botanical gardens are not part of BREC?

But why increase taxes when the libraries, COA, and other entities are already overfunded? Wouldn’t it make more sense to trim their millages a little to balance the books so no one has to pay more in taxes?

The new mayor is just trying to clean up the mess left by the old mayor, and this seems like a sensible way to do so.

StG is owed tens of millions in tax dollars dating back to incorporation IIRC.

SWB was supposed to put that money aside in case StG won their case but, instead, she blew it and now BR has a hole in their budget.



The exact amount hasn’t been determined by the courts or an agreement between StG and BR over transition, IIRC.