Cottage Grove holds public information session on library referendum, answers questions on cost, site and tax impact

Village of Cottage Grove staff held a public information session to explain a referendum on the April 1 ballot that would authorize up to $1,300,000 in annual property-tax levy to acquire, build and operate a public library at the Learning Ladder site at 312 West Cottage Grove Road.

The session, led by Village Administrator Mack Eze, reviewed the project estimate, the referendum wording and likely tax impacts, and allowed residents to ask questions about site size, parking, soil and engineering studies, timing, debt and grants. "We as staff and the village in general are not advocating for a yes or no vote on the referendum," Eze said, describing the meeting as informational.

Why this matters: A yes vote would authorize the village to exercise an option to purchase the privately owned Learning Ladder site and to levy the additional funds; a no vote would preclude construction at that address. Village officials said the referendum question combines capital and operating costs so voters can evaluate the full projected cost of delivering a library service within village limits.

Presentation and estimates: The village summarized a consultant study by Engberg Anderson that recommended razing the existing Learning Ladder structures and building a new single-story library if that site is chosen. The consultant estimated total project costs (acquisition, construction, soft costs) at about $8.2 million; the village has an option to purchase the property for $40,000 and a stated purchase price of $1,400,000. The $1.3 million levy shown on the ballot blends estimated capital recovery and operating costs; officials said the capital campaign and…