Nibley voices opinion on country library

By Candice Mattson

February 6, 1009 | NIBLEY -- At last month'smeeting, the City Council voted 4-1 to support a county library system without a specific timetable.

However, the council felt that with the cost of the proposal and the current economic downturn, that it wasn't possible at this time.

The cost of a county library is estimated to be $3.8 million for the first year and $3.2 million after the first year. This would cost the residents of Nibley $116,000 per year to support the library.

Nibley currently has an agreement with Hyrum to use its library, which costs the city an estimated $14,000 a year.

Of the proposed county-wide library, City Manager Larry Anhder said the council would "like one, but probably not right now."

Councilman Shaun Dustin said that while the current library agreement with Hyrum is a "good deal, it's not going to last forever." He also stated he would like to see Nibley invest in a library because it provides access for everyone.

Dustin said he was "not concerned about timing at all, even if it means a scaled-back version." He also said he believes there are some infrastructure that needs to be invested in.

Councilman Thayne Mickelson, the only member to oppose supporting the county library, was concerned about agreeing to the bonding of a library.

"Cost is extremely important," he said.

Mickelson said that the poor economy makes any bonding a bad decision and stressed that once the city agrees, they must keep paying. "Timing is really poor on any bonding," he said.

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