Council agrees to non-resident library card fee hike

Public hearings determined two key motions during the recent meeting of the Mountain Home City Council, one for the increase in library fees (non-resident library cards) and the other for the Idaho Department Block Grant for $100,000 to help revamp the Mountain Home Senior Center.

Currently there are 360 non-residents who have cards. Mountain Home Librarian Luise House spoke on how the library cards have become more valuable. "

That was made more attractive, when we joined the Links Consortium. The important thing is that it now opened doors for several libraries just by using our library card," said House.

House addressed the council about a phone call she received from Bunny & John Farnham who have a non-resident card.

"They feel that this would be a great financial burden to them," House said speaking for the Farnhams who were unable to attend the meeting.

Councilwoman Alain Issac noted that not only House has been receiving objections, Isaac has also received objections from residents who believe that the approval of these new fees would bring a diminishing return on the city, "I would approve an increase, but not an increase for that much."

Councilman Russ Anderson noted the purpose behind these new fees.

"This was put into action, because the taxpayers are funding the library and the people who are living outside the city of Mountain Home are not, this is only fair," said Anderson.

Anderson made a recommendation to raise the price, (not at the requested total), and to review the matter in one year.

Councilman Geoff Schroeder added, "I don't think the dollar amount is out of line, but there will be some sticker shock with this later."

Councilman Richard Urquidi spoke on how much he was in favor, of the prices, "I'm all for this, we have had a certain habit that if we put something off, it's going to stay put off for a while, (the fees haven't been discussed for the last 15 years)."

Anderson commented following Urquidi, "I feel it should have fell on library board, and not on our shoulders."

In discussion of the cost, Isaac said, "I believe we need to make it equitable," to which Urquidi replied, "If it's $69.95 than $70.00 is equitable."

Mayor Tom Rist replied, "The argument has been made, the city taxpayers are paying the amount of taxes for the library and the non-residents are riding the coattails, it's a good argument for these fees to be raised."

The council approved the motion, (by a 3-2 vote), to raise the non-resident card fees to $70 and the fee of library use for non-residents at $1 per hour.

Several individuals spoke on behalf of the Senior Center, Senior Center President Ruthada Powell, former City Clerk Gail Best, Delta James, administrator of Sage Community Resources and Jo Wright, former Senior Center bus and van driver.

Powell described the grant and how it would help improve the facility. Best discussed how the center is frugal with their money, and how the center puts on fund raisers to help keep the center operational, "But this grant we're requesting is way beyond our means," said Best.

Best talked about what the center provides for the guests like legal services, (with visits by City Attorney Jay Friedly), congregate meals, health related activities, informative presentations and social opportunities.

"These opportunities are a nice way for the seniors to have them get in touch with people," said Best.

Best talked about how the center is viable to the community and how it is utilized by not only seniors but residents of different ages and races. In February, they have several hundred non-seniors visit the center, a prime example was the recent Democratic caucus that drew over 300 people.

Rist commented on behalf of himself and the council, "We are well aware of how the center is important to the community and I'm in full support of approving this grant."

Wright who has been with the center for the last 20 years commented on the grant, "Not only will this help the people be safe and comfortable, but in the future you all will be regular visitors to the center and we want to keep it nice."

Rist jokingly said, "some of us sooner than others." The council unanimously approved the grant.

The council discussed the development of a comprehensive plan. Public Works Director Wayne Shepherd noted that there is a prepared draft and it will be reviewed on a preliminary basis.

"We just have to wait if any specific changes need to be made," said Shepherd.

Golf Pro Rob Ellis addressed the council on a request to purchase new windows, these windows are located at the snack bar side of the building. Three windows have broken seals while one has a very large crack.

Rist spoke on how he recently viewed the windows at the course, and how they are in definite need of repair.

"I was under the impression that each of the windows would cost $450-$500 for each window. We knew that these windows needed to be changed and I was shocked at the bid for this, (Jim's Lumber offered $195.95 for a window)."

The council approved the bid for Jim's Lumber to install new windows at the golf course.

Rist took time to acknowledge Senator Tim Corder, and his wife's recent illness. "From the city of Mountain Home, we wish the Corder family well and I hope that everything is going to turn out okay."