At Monday's council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Ward voiced concern that county commissioners are not keeping their promise to address the issue of funding for the Chapel Hill Public Library.

The discussion of county funding comes as the council debates whether to proceed with a planned library expansion that will double the size of the facility and increase operating expenses by a third.

Though Town Manager Roger Stancil says the town’s budget can absorb the extra debt, the cost of expanded operations would require more revenue, meaning a possible tax rate increase of up to 1.13 cents over the next three years.

Wary of raising taxes, council members seized on the issue of Orange County’s contribution to library expenses, which they say has not kept pace with the growing number of county residents who use the facility.

Council member Laurin Easthom estimated the county would need to chip in $600,000 a year to cover the cost, but some, like Sally Greene, argued the funding inequity should not keep the town from moving forward with the expansion project.

Mayor Kleinschmidt said he will work with Roger Stancil to draft a letter to the Orange County Commissioners reminding them of promises made during last spring’s Assembly of Governments. He also reminded voters to make their voices heard during this year’s election.
 
The council delayed any decision on the library expansion, opting to discuss the issue further at this weekend’s planning retreat.