Jasper Library Board: Big decisions coming soon

The Jasper Public Library is in a holding pattern waiting for information to be finalized on several costs for the cultural center.

The Jasper Public Library board is asking the public to approve a referendum to increase property taxes to pay for their portion of the combined Jasper Arts and Jasper Library project at the Hoosier Desk site. The City of Jasper has indicated economic development income taxes could be used for their portion of the project.

H. J. Umbaugh and Associates is working on the cost of the bond for the estimated $6.5 million to purchase and complete the library’s portion of the cultural center. The projected cost of the bond for 10, 15 and 20 years and how it will impact property taxes in Jasper will be provided to the board at the April board meeting.

They will make a decision on the length of the bond then so the language of the referendum can be sent to the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) in June.

According to Jasper Library Director Christine Golden, a website is being completed to provide voters information on the project. A calculator on the site will allow taxpayers to enter the property value to determine how the referendum will impact their property taxes.

At the same time, the Jasper Library Board is attempting to organize fundraising efforts. “The suggestion from all the groups we have talked to is that we should go make those private asks first,” Golden said. “You talk to those you think will be your key contributors first.”

Golden indicated this would be completed cooperatively through the library and arts boards.

Members of those boards will start meeting with identified contributors to raise money for the project in the next month. They hope to secure contributions to lower the amount needed from the referendum.

Donors will likely have naming rights for certain parts of the building like special rooms and areas. Golden said she would like to see the local manufacturers provide furniture for the project (e.g. front desk, chairs and other office items).

“I would love the see the library become their de facto showroom,” Golden said. “A lot of our expense will be that interior stuff.”

She added that the shelving and furniture they recently added to existing library will be moved to the new location but more items would be needed.

Tuesday night’s holding pattern had board president Dean Vonderheide apprehensive. “Every day that ticks by just gets us closer to the referendum,” he grimaced.