Cottage Grove schedules public session on library referendum question for April 1 ballot

In the heart of Cottage Grove, under the bright lights of the village hall, community members gathered for the second public information session regarding a pivotal library referendum. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as Village Administrator Mack Eze welcomed attendees, both in person and online, to discuss the future of the village's first public library.

Eze, who has served the village for 14 years, emphasized the session's purpose: to educate residents about the upcoming referendum on the April 1 ballot. Voters will be asked whether they support a property tax levy increase of up to $1.3 million to fund the construction and operation of the library, proposed to be located at the former Learning Ladder property on West Cottage Grove Road.

The need for a referendum stems from state-imposed tax levy limits, which restrict municipalities from increasing their tax levies without voter approval. Eze explained that while the village board could have opted to exclude capital costs from the referendum, they chose to present the full financial picture to ensure community support for both the library's construction and its ongoing operations.

A comprehensive study commissioned by the village last year assessed the Learning Ladder property, leading to a recommendation from the Engberg Anderson architectural firm. Their findings suggested that the best course of action would be to demolish existing structures and build a new library, with an estimated total project cost of $8.2 million. While the village has not yet purchased the property, they hold an option to buy it for $40,000, with a full purchase price set at $1.4 million.

As the session unfolded, Eze and his team, including finance director Cameron Sawyer and village attorney Larry Konopaki, were prepared to answer questions and clarify any concerns. They reiterated that the village's role was not to advocate for a specific vote but to ensure that residents had the information necessary to make an informed decision.

With resources like a fact sheet and a frequently asked questions document available for attendees, the village aims to foster an open dialogue about the library project. As the meeting progressed, the community's engagement highlighted the importance of this initiative, not just for the present but for the future of Cottage Grove. The outcome of the referendum could shape the village's cultural landscape, providing a vital resource for education and community connection.