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Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Opinion: Beaconsfield Library Project
posted by Beaconsfield Citizens Association - BCA at 21h42
by Edwin M. Briggs, B.Comm., M.B.A., F.C.A.
Published by the Beaconsfield Citizens Association with the permission of Mr. Briggs
Full text at www.bca-acb.org/news_events.htm
The recent proposal by the Beaconsfield council, to replace the existing library and to erect a new library building, in order to create additional office space, is certainly open to very serious question.
Apparently, there is a need for additional area for the city administration! For what purpose, and what is the real justification and cost benefit? The population of Beaconsfield, for the past 25 plus years, has decreased by about 5 per cent. The increase of public roads during this period is a minimum. A relatively insignificant number of new homes have been added during this time. The city is virtually fully developed. Certain essential services previously administered by the city are now the purview of the Agglomeration Committee. So why the need for additional administrative space?
The statement that “the project is essentially free” is astounding. Council apparently hopes to acquire funding for $4 million plus, either by government grants and/or corporate funds. Nothing is ‘free’. Government funds are public moneys (you & me) – there is no such thing as ‘free money.’
Realistically, an estimated annual cost to finance this project would not only amount to approximately $300,000, but increase our public debt.
With the present comparatively high residential taxes, our tax rates are very sensitive to any increase in municipal spending, and thus almost 100 per cent an additional residential burden.
Could and should our money be better administered and utilized?
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Another Opinion: Beaconsfield Library Project
I must admit to being disappointed that former mayor Ed Briggs did not at least speak with me prior to writing his letter opposing the idea of a new Library for Beaconsfield. It leaves me to wonder at the source of his information, for example the very first paragraph in which he states that it is proposed to build a new library in order to create additional office space. This is simply not the case. The existing library space will be converted primarily into space for cultural activities. There will be some office space provided for the employees who manage the cultural programs.
The Quebec Government funds the building and expansion of libraries and cultural facilities because it is good public policy. The City of Beaconsfield is no more or less eligible than any other city in Quebec and I would expect most citizens would like to see some of their tax dollars come back into their community to enhance a service that has an active membership of about 10,000, half the population of Beaconsfield.
Currently we are not adequately serving the needs of these users, lighting is poor, the impressive collection is in cramped stacks, the roof needs work, the heating and cooling system is cranky, there is no basement for storage, and inadequate space for the increasing number of students who wish to take advantage of the library to combine the benefits of internet and book based research. As well the growing numbers of people using our cultural facilities are not well served.
In 1969 when Mr. Briggs was Mayor a small group of “concerned residents” managed to defeat a bylaw to build a much needed arena that was to have been financed by grants and interest free debentures sold to individuals and corporations. The need didn’t disappear and the arena was finally approved four years later at cost of $1,500,000 to Beaconsfield taxpayers.
I agree with Mr. Briggs that our tax rates are sensitive to any increase in municipal spending. This is why we are taking the time and energy to seek government grants and public sponsorships. If and when we receive the grants I would hope Mr. Briggs would be an active supporter.
Bob Benedetti
Mayor
City of Beaconsfield