River Heights officials raise alarm over Cache County proposal to defund county library

Recorder Sheila Lind told the River Heights City Council on Nov. 4 that Cache County’s executive has proposed defunding the county library system and asked residents to make their views known to county officials. "There's a push in the county to defund the library system by county executive Danes," Lind said, noting a public hearing was underway at the county level.

Lind reviewed relevant history, telling the council that a 2008 county vote resulted in no countywide library system being established for large parts of the county. She said the executive and some residents characterize the issue as one of equity and "double taxation," arguing that Logan taxpayers — the largest share of the county tax base — effectively subsidize a county library that only directly serves a portion of residents.

Council members discussed possible options raised in the county debate, including arrangements used by neighboring cities where nonresidents may purchase library cards for an annual fee. Lind said council members and residents might contact the county executive and attend the council's public hearing to register opinions before any final decision by the county council.

A resident who spoke during public comment provided numbers intended to inform that debate, saying the county pays about $230,000 for the referenced library and that 4,015 people use it. That commenter also urged the city to weigh costs and usage when considering local support for libraries.

The council did not take any formal action on library funding at the meeting. Lind said she planned to attend upcoming county meetings and would report back to the council.

Ending: The issue remains with the Cache County executive and county council; River Heights officials encouraged residents to track the county public hearing and contact county leaders if they want their views recorded.