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New library coming, but taxpayers will have to pay for it There will be money in the town's coffers to build a new Georgetown library starting in 2008 but it means tax increases of about 5 per cent for the next five years. Halton Hills Chief Administrative Officer Dennis Perlin and Director of Finance Ed DeSousa outlined a financing plan for a new library in Georgetown to the town's budget committee last week. Committee approved the plan unanimously and council confirmed the decision Monday. Library Board chair, Jay Jackson is "very pleased that Town council has embraced the need to build a new library given the growth in Halton Hills," he said in a statement Tuesday. The financing plan includes $8 million for a 20,000 sq. ft library and $1 million for alternations to the 12,000 sq. ft. in the Halton Hills Cultural Centre (whether a modified branch remains there or not). "The ($1 million) will demonstrate that council is committed to making a contribution to revitalization of the Cultural Centre," said Perlin. Dollars for the future expansion and improvement to the Acton library is still uncertain and will be considered sometime after 2011. The financing plan is based on assumptions including: · A maximum 5 per cent tax increase each year through 2010. This would ensure that the library gets funding, but does not undermine other planned capital programs, such as parks and roads. In 2006-2008, two per cent of that five is dedicated to pavement management program. Then the 2 per cent extra tax would continue for the years 2009 (1 per cent to the library) and 2010 (1.6 per cent to the library). During this time, no other major capital projects that impacts the budget above the 5 per cent increase would be considered. Financing will also come from about $2 million in development charges and a $1 million loan, if necessary. · A 20,000 sq. ft. new library would be built as an addition to the Gellert Centre, where site servicing and land already exists. However the final decision on the size and location of the library rests with the library board-- an appointed body of residents and two councillors. Having a ball A wide-eyed Amanda Young, 12, lines up her shot at the recent Knights of Columbus free throw competion held at St. Catherine of Alexandria School. The competition was open to boys and girls ages 914. The service club puts on the annual competition to promote healthy lifestyles and community particpation. Photo by Sabrina Byrnes