Library Board Sets Special Aug. 6 Meeting

The Ann Arbor District Library board has set a special meeting for Monday, Aug. 6 at 10:30 a.m. The only resolution on the agenda is an item to approve the title for a Nov. 6 ballot proposal: “Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Building Proposal.” The language for the ballot proposal itself was authorized at a special meeting on July 30, but did not include a title. See Chronicle coverage: “Library Bond Moves Toward Nov. 6 Ballot.”

The proposal is asking voters to authorize $65 million in bonds to build a new downtown library. At its July 16, 2012 regular meeting, the AADL board had voted to move forward on this 30-year bond initiative, and set the special meeting on July 30 to approve the ballot language. The funding would also pay for demolition of the existing structure at 343 S. Fifth Ave., moving costs, and temporary leases while the new building is being constructed.

Passage of the bond proposal on Nov. 6 would result in an initial bond millage levy in July of 2013. It’s estimated that 0.56 mills would be levied in the first year, with an average annual rate of 0.47 mills over the 30-year period.