Talk about the gang that couldn't shoot straight. The tainted and highly questionable survey commissioned by Mayor Nolan Crouse originally stated that the total cost of the proposed library branch was not to exceed $20 million. But now we are told this didn't include the cost of the land.
Apparently the “all in cost” of the branch library is now estimated to be $25 million. This will increase property taxes over 1.8 per cent per year.
But you have to remember the city budget process permits cost overruns of up to 50 per cent for the project to remain with approved limits. It could exceed $35 million and the mayor could declare his latest white elephant project to be within budget.
The library board chair stated in her letter to the editor (Gazette, Feb. 25) that “the branch library annual operating costs are estimated at $1.3 million.”
A (Gazette, April 5) article states “the estimated $2 million operating costs would mean another (property) tax increase of 2 per cent (per year).” These cost estimates are over 50 per cent higher than just six weeks ago. The board chair said in the same letter “library trustees are appointed by city council to carefully govern the library on behalf of citizens, including presenting a cost effective annual budget.” Apparently that doesn't mean accurately.
With the existing library operating costs of over $4 million, combined with the branch building and land costs of $25 million and operating costs of $2 million per year, over 7.8 per cent of our property taxes will be allocated to one service. One service that has the lowest participation and usage rates of any service the city provides.
It’s time this project is shelved. And it’s time councillors come to their senses and realize the mayor is not a leader. He continues to demonstrate his spendthrift ways and remains on the path of being the most spendthrift mayor in the history of our city.
It’s time councillors realize that property owners are at their limit when it comes to spending for unnecessary capital projects. Our taxes are the highest in the region, and double that of Edmonton, because of this frivolous spending.
Councillors need to demonstrate their independence by voting this project down.
Norm Harley, St. Albert
