Posted: 7/2/03

Chisago County library bonding plan in trouble

A plan for a bonding program in Chisago County to cover construction costs for three libraries is in trouble. The county board, in a reversal of direction, recently voted 3-2 against moving ahead with a schedule aimed at issuing $3 million in bonds for library construction in Wyoming, North Branch and the Chisago Lakes area while providing support to the existing Rush City library, all part of the East Central Regional Library system.

Commissioners Ben Montzka and Lora Walker found opposition from Commissioners Bob Gustafson, Mike Robinson and Rick Olseen in a previously announced timetable in the county. The program requires matching dollars from each local municipality. Montzka, in backing the measure, said the bonding was a means to improve library facilities within the county and the ECRL system that serves Chisago County. In light of other county needs, including a new jail and essential county services such as roads, the schedule was defeated at the June 18 county board meeting.

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