Why incur more debt, Genevans?

Before Geneva taxpayers vote "yes" to the library referendum, they should understand how much the $80 million Geneva school board referendum passed in 2007 has really cost.

Taxpayers now owe $237 million (principle and interest) and are paying $14.8 million annually until 2029. Very different from what was projected. The 2007 referendum was approved based on "mistakenly" inflated enrollment numbers indicating we needed two new schools to meet future demand. Now, total enrollment is less than it was in 2007 and operating costs have increased significantly?

The library referendum asks $21.8 million for a new building and projects the cost to the average $300,000 homeowner will be only $100 a year more. In 2016, the library portion including library pension accounts for 3.6753 percent of a tax bill. That means a $300,000 homeowner is paying $294 annually for existing library operating costs. Add the $100 for the new library and it's $400 a year. A $600,000 homeowner increases from $590 to $790 … for more space and parking?

My point is the timing is wrong until we can see relief from school debt. People should understand what they are already paying for a library and then understand that the projected additional cost is just the beginning.

In a town where some citizens fight to protect the "Geneva Brand," the old library will probably not be torn down and with the city having the right of first refusal; taxpayers may well bear the cost of bringing the vacated building up to ADA compliance for city offices anyway?

We can't have it all and should wait until we are closer to retiring school debt before incurring more debt. Why rush to satisfy a want rather than a need?

Sandra Ellis

Geneva