Library district request receives cool reception

Diana Sahagun

Thursday, Feb. 8, 2001 | 11 a.m.

Las Vegas City Council members all agree that libraries are essential for learning, but they are split on whether a $73.9 million bond issue would do more harm than good for taxpayers.

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District wants to pass a bond issue to pay for six new fully equipped libraries and renovate existing facilities. The bond, which would be levied in phases until 2010, would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $13.04 a year.

While the increase seems small, Councilwoman Lynette Boggs McDonald's main concern is that the tax override will push the city into the 90 percent range of the state's tax cap.

State law sets the tax rate cap at $3.64 per $100 of assessed value.

Boggs McDonald said she could not support the bond issue because it puts the city in the "red zone" and hampers efforts for the city to bond for future projects.

She said the district should be looking at innovative ways to build more libraries, such as teaming with nonprofit and private groups.

Ricki Barlow, a library trustee and ward liaison for Councilman Lawrence Weekly, said the bond issue is a proactive move so the district can start supplying services before the growth overwhelms the Las Vegas Valley.

"We're going to start having problems if we don't do something now," he said.

And with the item being discussed just hours after the council set aside $10 million in reserves and implemented a hiring freeze in case of rising utility costs, Mayor Oscar Goodman said now may not be the time to raise taxes.

"No one can quarrel with the need for more libraries. But you're going public at a very rough time," he said.

Councilman Michael Mack said his ward in the northwest is in desperate need of a library and supports the cause.

Councilman Gary Reese, who represents a mature part of the city, said his ward doesn't even have a library and believes more libraries will help reduce crime.

The district proposes building libraries at Durango Drive and Tropical Parkway, at Sunrise Acres east of downtown, in Lone Mountain West, in Summerlin South, at Windmill Lane and Rainbow Boulevard in the southwest and in Mesquite.

The 11-member Debt Management Commission -- which includes Boggs McDonald -- will have the final say on March 1 on whether to put the bond before the voters. But the chairwoman of the board, Clark County Commissioner Myrna Williams, and County Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates have also criticized the bond issue.