Yesterday a resident asked me if the Library Board is seriously considering starting our own library and abandoning our contract with RHPL. I would say the answer is “no, not really.” But they are somewhat upset with our “taxation without representation” contract. Today I encountered Dr. Henry Carels, Oakland Township Library Board member in Township parking lot, who gave me his views. This led me to watch the tape of the February 15, 2024 meeting, which I had not viewed previously.
Library Board Meeting 2/15/2024- Sentinel summary of Agenda E1
There was a 30 minute discussion about the fact that Rochester Hills Public Library Board (membership on which we are excluded by state law even though we pay about $1,000,000 each year) is going down the path of soon asking for a mileage increase. Members, especially Dr. Henry Carels, expressed concern that questions our Library Board posed a few years ago when RHPL Board considered asking for a millage increase (but dropped the request) went unanswered even with two “asks”. Four options for our future library were discussed informally.
Stay in contract with RHPL and do nothing else. No one was sure if we did this and defeated a millage increase in our Township if RHPL would “kick us off the contract”. Possibly they would not, since we are their highest paying customer due to our large property tax assessment per patron.
Work to get state law amended to allow representation on RHPL Board – Carels favors this, Tyler and Parker are skeptical of the possibility of success. (Chairman Tyler tried and failed to get Township Board of Trustees support for this a few years ago.)
Form a District Library (this method is authorized by state law) – Chairman Tyler points out that any millage would go on the ballot at will of the regional library Board. Oakland Township BOT would have no say.
Establish our own library – Kallie pointed out that this would be a very difficult path.
If you want a better understanding, watch the video at link below for Agenda Item E1 (about 30 minutes discussion), especially Dr. Carels opening remarks that the Oakland Township Library Board must represent interests of Oakland Township taxpayers that set off this discussion.
The following is verbatim from February 14, 2024 Rochester Hills Public Library Board minutes. Note our Michael Tyler’s comment at the end. He is chairman of our township library board and can attend but cannot vote. The six voting RHPL board members are all from Rochester Hills, per state law.
B. The board engaged in a discussion regarding future funding needs for the library. Ms.
Morian stated that a complicating factor surrounding a discussion of increased revenue is
the partnership with each contract community. The contracts are worded differently and
operate with different renewal dates. Neither contract provides direction for if/when the
public body (RHPL) increases revenue from the taxing base (Rochester Hills), nor does it
address tiered service levels if a contract community contributes less than the tax base.
She recommended visiting each of the communities for an information-only presentation
of details about necessary capital improvements and corresponding cost-analysis. The
February 2024 RHPL Board Minutes
board did not object to Ms. Morian providing that information and reporting back on the
conversation at a future meeting.
- President Deel stated that an informational brochure that identifies capital
needs and current pain points in the library would be effective in communicating
needs to stakeholders and the public. - Mr. Tyler stated that the public may be more receptive to “sinking fund” style of
millage request with separate accounting budget for the capital expenditures.
Oakland Township Sentinel 