By Bert Sainsbury
I appreciate the tentative budget that Cache County Executive George Daines mailed with the Property Tax Notice.
It is a very good thing to balance the budget.
And I believe it is a good thing too, and the right thing, to continue funding the Senior Center, as stated in the letter. Even though I’m 69 years old, I’ve never used the facility or their services, but I know it is important and needed in our community.
In the letter, there is also a recommendation to the council, “…[they] should cease operation of the County Library.” This saves the county around $250,000 for a year. Far less than keeping the Senior Center open that has a possible new building plan that will cost millions. According to the county 2025 Adopted Budget, it states a probable bond at $23,000,000. But I still believe it is the right thing to keep the Senior Center operating.
Concerning the Library’s closure, there was a Public Hearing on November 4th. Those who voiced their opinion, almost all from Providence where the library is located, did not want the library closed. Also, there was a handout, “Doubled Tax Worksheet”, that states the library operating costs per household is $4.81 a year. Regarding the “double tax”, many residents, me included because I live in Logan, already pay for a city library.
At the end of the discussion, Chair Sandy Goodlander asked the overflowing crowd if anyone had opposing views to those wanting to keep the library open. No one came forward. She then told those who live in Providence and River Heights to contact their city administrators about getting a library. Sounds like a foregone conclusion. And I wonder what kind of response she would receive if she asked how many in the meeting were not from those two cities.
So, is ceasing the operation of the County Library the right thing to do to save $4.81 for property owners per year?
Some have advocated that those who live outside the cities with libraries can obtain a library card for a yearly fee (Logan- $163; North Logan- $125; Hyrum/Nibley/Wellsville- $75). Also, only 30,000 or so live outside cities with libraries and most of the County Library patrons are from Providence.
Yet, there are many of us who live in cities with libraries who also have a county library card. And I’m sure many who use the county library could not afford another library card. Also, for the past 10 years and according to the county library staff, they averaged over 21,000 visits a year. Not only do people come for books, but also for the many programs offered and internet services. Moreover, 68% of new library cards issued so far in 2025 were for residents outside Providence. Moreover, it is estimated there are around 11,500 patrons because the library often issues one card per family. Now I wonder how many use the Senior Center.
Again, I ask, is it the right thing to close the library?
What I haven’t heard is any discussion on ways to keep the library open. Are there other resources available that can be explored like library grants and state funds that can be available? What about creating a cooperative county library system, as Shelly Nazar pointed out in a letter to the Council. I know Salt Lake County has its own library system and Salt Lake City has its own.
In conclusion, maybe the County Council should not be so hasty and just cease operations on December 31st when they finalize the budget next month. Maybe keep it open for another year to explore ways to keep it funded. Maybe $4.81 a year per property owner is a small price we are willing to pay to keep the County Library because of what it offers and gives to our valley. Maybe more of us should let our representative on the council know how we feel in the coming days.
Bert Sainsbury
