Why does the estimated $1.8 million operating budget for the library cost taxpayers more per year than the $10 million for the library building?
Repayment of the $10 million, which will be borrowed to actually construct the library, will be spread out over many years. The impact will be about $75 annually on a $250,000 home. The operational costs of the library occur on an annual basis and include salaries, benefits, utilities and the shared automated system with the Dane County Library System. Some of these costs can be offset with revenue from fines, meeting room rentals and donations.
