Voters approve millages for local library
MARQUETTE — Things are looking brighter at one local library after voters said ‘yes’ to four-year millage renewals in several local townships that will help fund the facility’s programming.
Officials at the Peter White Public Library were happy to see the percentage of those voting ‘yes’ rise on Tuesday over previous years. The approvals provide reassurance that the library — which has taken a financial hit due to ongoing tax tribunal issues — will be able to continue on with activities ranging from day-to-day operations to the expansion of its strategic plan.
“A little bit of stability never hurts,” said Library Director Andrea Ingmire. “It makes the staff feel more confident. [It] of course means that we can plan a little bit long-term with our programming, which is always good, too.”
Despite Tuesday’s success in the primary election, a large portion of the library’s budget still hinges on voters in Marquette Township approving a two-year renewal in November.
“If Marquette Township does not pass [the millage] in November, we are going to have to really take some serious looks at things. It’s around $280,000, I believe, which out of a $2 million budget is significant,” added Ingmire.
A series of fundraisers also supplement the library’s budget. The next such event will be a pig roast at the Steinhaus Market on September 18th.