JCLI given $300,000 by board
From our weekly issue dated October 22, 2008
Members and supporters of Josephine Community Libraries Inc. (JCLI) packed the Josephine County Board of Commissioners conference room on Tuesday morning, Oct. 14 as the board considered a request by that group.
Several months ago, the county commissioners had pledged a $300,000 matching grant to the nonprofit organization for the sake of re-opening the county’s libraries, which have been closed for more than a year. However, that grant amount was reduced to $100,000 by the county’s Budget Committee in June when it appeared that timber payments legislation would not be signed into law. Most of that $100,000 came from the library trust fund.
A four-year extension of the timber payments legislation was included in the $700 billion bill aimed at helping failing financial firms. That bill was signed into law by President Bush on Oct. 4, which prompted JCLI to request the full $300,000 grant from the board.
JCLI member Charles Brown told the board that JCLI is applying for several grants, but cannot move forward until the main library doors are open.
Citing his experience writing grants for nonprofit organizations, county board Chairman Dave Toler agreed that those grant applications would be more successful with a functioning library.
Not all 30 people in attendance were in support of increasing the grant. John Bowler, of Kerby, reminded the board that every dollar it spends will come out of the county public safety fund during the next couple years.
Grants Pass area resident Margaret Goodwin stated that $300,000 could fund a year’s worth of salaries and benefits for five sheriff’s deputies.
Commissioner candidate Sandi Cassanelli reminded the board that voters rejected the last proposed library levy. She said that public safety is more important to county residents, and that boosting the grant amount would be a “slap to the face” of voters. That sentiment was echoed by Commissioner Jim Raffenburg. He said that the proposed taxing districts for the sheriff’s office “are in trouble” anyway, and that pledging $300,000 to libraries would reduce their chances of passing.
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Raffenburg’s remarks prompted a sharp response from Toler, and the two began arguing. Once they stopped, Raffenburg pointed out that a condition of the board’s initial grant offer was a five-year business plan for keeping the libraries open.
JCLI’s Doug Walker said that the group wasn’t asking for the money at the meeting, but for a commitment. He added that the business plan should be ready soon.
Commissioner Dwight Ellis stated that he wants to see the library open by Christmas. He said that the matching grant dollars would not be offered if the business plan is not approved by two county commissioners.
He then moved to match the money that JCLI can raise by Nov. 30, up to $300,000, on the condition that the board approve the business plan. Toler seconded.
“It’s appalling that we don’t have libraries,” Toler said during discussion. The motion then passed 2-1, with Raffenburg dissenting.
