Discussion concerning use of the Independence Township library continued at the Clarkston city council meeting on March 14, as the library committee presented their findings to the rest of the council.
The seven-page document from the newly formed library committee ? consisting of Council Members Cory Johnston, Kristy Ottman and Steve Wylie ? was provided to inform the council for further discussion rather than to make a recommendation.
‘It gave the summary of what perhaps some of our options are with the most important one trying to get rid of the 10 percent administration fee because that’s money we don’t have and can’t afford,? said Ottman, who reiterated at the meeting a desire by much of the council to continue use of the township library.
‘It was just information gathering and now we have to sit down with the township and see what works with them,? said Johnston. ‘We did find out if we can’t come to an agreement with the township there are other things we can do. (The report) wasn’t meant to decide what to do.?
Following their Feb. 13 meeting, the committee was formed to research relevant library services and costs as the board considers a new library agreement with the township. The previous agreement between the township and city, effective since Jan. 1, 1999, expired Dec. 31, 2005.
The document contained a summary outlining the views of the committee:
‘It is the opinion of this committee that providing library services for our residents is a benefit to our community and should remain as a public service if funds allow.
? The Township library is the most convenient and has provided acceptable service in the past. Maintaining and strengthening those relationships due to proximity of the municipalities and the ‘historical sharing of communities and services? is preferred.
? We must state, however, that given the current financial status of the City of the Village of Clarkston and the previous method used for calculating payments, the previous contract should not be renewed as written unless Independence Township can provide information that justifies the costs and method of calculation.
? To maintain the relationship with the township for those library services, a payment plan must be established in relationship to the village’s ability to pay.
The committee report was provided to all council members, but no lengthy discussion took place at the meeting.
‘I think they did a lot of work and it’s interesting. I still think the point here is the best thing for us is to get a flat rate administration fee for all the services we buy from the township,? said Mayor Sharron Catallo. ‘All these alternatives aren’t as easy as the library which we’re used to.?
Council Member Scott Meyland said the township library is a valuable resource for citizens and expressed frustration about the nature of the library discussion at previous meetings.
‘The topic of the library has evolved in a direction I don’t think was originally intended. Like the fire contract, when the library renewal came up, we were already concerned about the administrative fee. I think the discussion was brought up so that how we approach the administration fee with the library is consistent with the fire (agreement),? said Meyland.
‘From my perspective, I’d never consider cutting the library from our services without an extensive amount of research,? said Meyland.
‘Budget-wise, everything needs to be questioned and understood. If we were to lay out a list of priorities (the library) is not something high on the list that needs to be questioned.?

Library options
The following options were given by the committee in order of the committee’s preference for council review:
1. Amend and renew the contract with costs based on same millage rate paid by Independence Township residents or a fixed fee.
2. Place a ballot proposal for levying a library tax as required to pay for library services.
3. Renew the contract as written except for the elimination of the 10 percent administrative fee.
4. Renew the previous contract with Independence Township as is.
5. Seek costs on a per person or family basis from Independence, Springfield or other townships and cities.
6. Start the public library of the Village of Clarkston.
7. No library services publically provided.