Comments

• On the article Turnout Low at Library Millage Meeting

  

  Brian Garves

  10:08 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2011

  Chris, when we originally looked at the millage issue, the money owed each year to pay off the bonds for building the Ewald and Woods branches was the main focus. It was the main focus because, as revenues started to significantly decrease and even as we made significant cuts in expenses and staff costs, that debt could not be reduced. And so that was what we looked at and spoke about in our public presentations.

  As we got into the issue further, one thing we looked at was, if the millage proposal does not pass, what will happen. We realized that the debt service was still going to be there -- it wasn't going to change. However, there would have to be a significant reduction in library services, hours, etc. We realized that this millage proposal was not about the debt -- because it is immutable -- it is about the many library services that will be affected if the millage does not pass.

• On the article Turnout Low at Library Millage Meeting

  Brian Garves

  6:07 pm on Monday, December 12, 2011

  Katie, The non-resident issue is a difficult one as a library -- a public building -- must be open to anyone. A non-resident can come to the library and use a computer for a finite amount of time, or read a book or a magazine, but cannot check anything out. The Library has increased the cost of a non-resident library card to $200 in order to recoup some of the costs.

  The State does provide some funding. In 2007, that amount was $110,000. Presently, due to the State's financial woes, that aid has been halved. So, yes, there is some State assistance, but that is another area where the Library has been confronted with a reduction in revenue.

  As to legacy costs, the Library eliminated legacy costs many years ago (much in advance of many other tax-funded municipalities or entities). Thus, where legacy costs are crippling many cities and states, the Library, through foresight, has avoided that cost.

  Brian Garves

  Reply

• On the article Disagreement Evident Among Grosse Pointe Woods Council

  Brian Garves

  9:34 am on Tuesday, April 12, 2011

  As a trustee on the Grosse Pointe Public Library Board of Trustees, I am entitled to received a $30 stipend for each meeting. I have chosen to not receive such a payment so the Library can use the funds elsewhere. Some trustees have chosen to accept the payment, some, like me, have not. Couldn't Councilwoman PInkos Houle do the same: Elect to forego her payment? It will not save as much as getting the whole Council to give up their payments, but it will make a statement and set a good example.

  Reply

• On the article Library Trustees Ask Pointers for Support

  

  Brian Garves

  9:31 am on Wednesday, March 23, 2011

  Ms. Long:

  I will check with Jenny Nolan about this. Please send me your e-mail address at bgarves@gmail.com and I will make sure you get some information.