5.6. SR 06-06-1994
MAY 24_
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ITEM 5. 6. \
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Sherburne County \ _,/
BOARD OF /
COMMISSIONERS I "',
Mayor Hank Duitsman
Elk River City Hall
P.O. Box 490
Elk River, MN 55330
13880 Highway 10
P.O. Box 311
Elk River, MN 55330
241-2700 0 1-800-433-5228
May 16, 1994
(Within 612 Area Code)
Dear Mayor Duitsman,
As you know, Sherburne County is a member of the Great River Regional Library, along with the Counties of
Benton, Morrison, Stearns, Todd and Wright and the City of St. Cloud. The current formula for funding of the
library is based 50% on population and 50% on registrations (card holders). Sherburne County's share for 1994
is $402,355.
The Regional Library membership has approved a formula change to be phased in over three years: one third
~')opulation, one third registrations, and one third tax capacity. The purpose of this change is to provide for an
W.ncrease of library funding without a dramatic increase for those members with less tax capacity.
What the formula change also does is increase Sherburne County's portion significantly, perhaps more than 60%
by 1997. This change has been approved without any planned increase in library services to Sherburne County.
In other words, each of the members will enjoy the same library service increases as Sherburne County.
The County Board supported the revised funding formula in face of a threat to create a regional library taxing
district. A taxing district would cause the funding base to rest entirely on tax capacity.
Our chief purpose for writing is to gain your input and comments on library services in your city. Are you
satisfied with current services from Great River Regional Library? Do you have adequate library hours to serve
your citizens? Please give us your comments and those of your council on perceptions of the library. The
information will be extremely helpful in future deliberations and negotiations for library service.
s~ ~~~
Lyle Smith, Chair
Sherburne County Board of Commissioners
CC: Board of Commissioners
_ City Administrators
LWict 1 District 2
ARNE ENGSTROM LYLE R. SMITH
20800 Meadowvale Road 16828 - 205th A venue
Elk River. MN 55330 P. O. Box 325
(612) 441-3869 Big Lake, MN 55309
District 3
RA Y FRIEDL
7398 89th A venue
Clear Lake, MN 55319
(612) 743-2824
District 4
LESLIE SCHUMACHER
18180 17th Street
Princeton, MN 55371
(612) 662-2075
District 5
MYRON E. JOHNSON
25825 Main Street
Box B
Zimmerman, MN 55398