The Fallston Branch of the Harford County Public Library may close by the end of the month in a cost-saving manuever deemed necessary after the County Executive and County Council mandated an additional 5% cut from each departmental budget.
The Library Board of Trustees will meet Thursday to determine the fate of the Fallston Branch, which was picked for closure based on its old age, poor location, and apparent lack of use, after the library system learned it would have to make another $800,000 in unanticipated budget cuts.
In an email sent to all library staff Thursday evening, library director Audra Caplan wrote:
The Harford County Public Library (HCPL) Board of Trustees, in response to an unanticipated, additional $800,000, or 5% budget cut from the County Council on Friday May 29, will vote on the necessity of closing the Fallston Branch at the June 18th Board Meeting. The branch closure is necessary in order to balance HCPL’s FY 2010 operating budget.
The Executive Committee and Senior Staff’s decision to recommend closing the Fallston Branch was made after evaluating every branch in the system and weighing a number of factors, including which communities would be most adversely impacted by a branch’s closing and have the most difficulty replacing these services. Specific issues factored into closing Fallston include:
– Age of Building
– Branch is not easily accessible on foot
– Low walk-in traffic
– Cost savings
– Poor location and dangerous vehicle access in and out of the property
– Close proximity to newest branches, Bel Air (7 miles), Jarrettsville (8
miles) and Abingdon (9miles),– Low percentage of computer usage compared to other branch locations
The Board of Trustees and the Library Administration understand that all of Harford County Public Library branches are integral parts of their communities. The library system has 200,059 registered borrowers that use the services of branches across the county. The choice to close the Fallston Branch was difficult but necessary.
The HCPL Board of Trustees will hold a Public Hearing on the Fallston Branch closing before the Board meeting at 6:00 pm on June 18, 2009 at the Bel Air Branch, 3rd floor meeting room.
An official release can be found on the Fallston Branch web site:
The Harford County Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a Public Hearing to discuss the closure of the Fallston Branch on Thursday, June 18, 2009, 6 p.m., at the Bel Air Branch. The Board will hold their regular meeting at 6:30 pm., following the Public Hearing. The Bel Air Branch is located at 100 East Pennsylvania Avenue.
For more information about the Public Hearing or the Board meeting, call 410-273-5600.
Here’s some history on the Fallston Branch:
The Fallston Branch held its grand opening celebration in March of 1985. Located right on busy Rt. 152, the library is a destination for many in the surrounding areas. The Fallston Branch has a very active Friends group, the second oldest in the county. They host highly successful book sales twice a year, in April and over Thanksgiving weekend. The Fallston Friends also sponsor the Evening Book Discussion Group on the second Monday evening of each month (September – June). The Fallston Library also offers a Daytime Book Discussion Group on the third Tuesday morning of each month (September – June). In addition to our book groups, the Fallston Library offers a wide variety of programs for the whole family, including our First Monday Playtime for Babies ages 6 – 24 months, Drop-in Story Times every Friday morning and our Teen Game Nights. Call or stop by and our friendly and knowledgeable staff will assist you with your reading and information questions.
The Fallston library is a branch that the board of directors, under Ms. Audra Caplan, decided would have the least impact if closed. The budget that the county exec. presented, was short for the libraries before the council even got it. The library budget, is determined by the director and it’s board. They decide where, what, who, and why things happen in the branches of the library. The budget that they had last year included Mr. Craig’s 9% raise to all employees. The budget that he proposed this year had 5 day furloughs. The health insurance that the county employees receive is paid at I believe 85% of cost. The bulk of the insurance, is paid by the county, not the employee. If the employee were to self insure or to work for other private companies, the costs would be more, about 55-75% more per person covered.
The problem is that Mr. Craig did not have a plan to fund his expanded budget from last year forward to this year, hence the 5% cut from earlier this year. The 5% cut this year, across the board, that the council courageously placed on the budget, may allow some folks to stay in their homes. If it means a BRANCH of the library has to close, ok. How many of the people that work in Fallston’s branch will be laid off? I have not heard of anyone. Which is worse, sir? You and any other resident have the right to share their views with the library board before the final vote on Thurs., June 18.
I applaud the efforts that the council and the Library is making to live within the budget. Pat McGrady
The anti-tax folks ought to be ashamed of themselves if the tax cuts help slum-lords keep their properties or if the tax cuts help someone with $10,000 property taxes stay on their estate (both examples from speakers at the council meetings), at the expense of public services used by the entire county. I don’t know how many families with a modest house will have their home ownership decided by the $50 or so they will save on their taxes next year.
I’d love to share my views with the library board, but it is the County Council who waited until the very last minute to cave to the squeaky wheel and blindside the agencies with the extra 5% cut. I don’t know how else they would cut the budget. I’m sure the library board would not want applause from you or anyone else because they are forced to close a branch and lay people off!
Here is my question – what services do we actually get in this county? We have no trash pick up, our roads are tar and chip, they are poorly maintained… our biggest benefit was the location and selection available in our libraries. Those of us in Fallston – payers of HUGE amounts of taxes because of the mcmansions in the area, are the ones loosing out. How about cutting one day a week of service from all of the branches. They are all already closed on Sundays – lets cut Wednesdays or something.
And by the way, there may not be a lot of walk in traffic at the library – but the place always, and I mean ALWAYS has at least 15 or 20 people in it every time I go in – and I’m there at least 4 times per month at all hours of the day. Computer usage, baloney – you’re in a wealthy neighborhood – people have their own computers at home. No, this is simply because it’s the easiest one to eliminate. They certainly can’t eliminate Abingdon – they just built that little jewel, and they won’t eliminate the Bel Air branch and send people to the Abingdon one. They just renovated the Fallston branch, and it’s a huge waste.
I agree with Pat McGrady – How about employees paying their health care costs the same as every other corporate employee in the country.
In any case, they’ll do what they want, hearing or no hearing. Those of us in Fallston can expect to loose yet another service and see even less benefit from our tax dollars. It’s time for a clean sweep of the county council next voting session. Someone needs to account for the fact that we pay just as much in taxes as Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties, but we have less services – where does the money go?
oh, and may I add one other thing – Fallston has maintained the highest circulation in the county – I know this because one of my kids worked there as a page for many years. Obviously they’re not closing the library due to lack of utilization.
This is what happens when Fallston does not have a strong advocate on the County Council. I doubt that the Library Board would have ever done this if Roni Chenowith were still alive. We will not forget this Mr. Boniface and Mr. Woods.
Poor location and dangerous vehicle access in and out of the property? Did anyone take this in consideration when choosing the location for the Activity/Senior Center being built right down the street? I go to the Fallston Library approximately once a week. The parking lot is always full and everytime that I’m there usually every single computer is in use. I would like to know when the County Council observed certain issues factored into the closure.
Um, there’s a light at Oakmont that has access to the community center.
Juls, just a minor correction from the Harford County Public Library website:
Circulation by Branch, FY 07:
Bel Air
1,028,419
Abingdon
879,818
Aberdeen
320,124
Fallston
308,628
Jarrettsville
282,345
Edgewood
248,445
Havre de Grace
220,867
Whiteford
208,362
Joppa
202,028
Norrisville
104,856
Darlington
51,500
I lived in Fallston for 20+ years. When I first moved there, we had NO library in the northern part of the county. Now there is Fallston, Jarrettsville’s beautiful brand new library, Norrisville, Whiteford and Darlington. Rt. 152 really has become a dangerous road and trying to make a left out of or into the library can be horrible. People living in that area drive everywhere – you have to. People have to drive to shop, most in Bel Air. Save gas and hit the library while you’re in town.
Dave,
Why don’t you tell us what skin you have in the game? Are you a Government worker or are you just someone that needs ever aspect of their life catered to be the Government?
Why do you keep insisting that the only citizens concerned about taxes are rich slum lords that don’t want to pay any taxes. I’m not, my relatives and friends are not, and we all see the need to pay a reasonable amount of taxes. Pat McGrady is right-on!
Dave – you really bring nothing to the table. You are nothing more than a Government Spending Propaganda Machine. Go read the facts man – HARFORD COUNTY SPENDING HAS INCREASED 45% from approximately $420 MILLION to $610 MILLION from 2005 to 2009.
Thank goodness the Council has acted albeit only at the request of the Taxpayers.
I am so disgusted that everyone feels we are loaded in Fallston.Because we certainly are far from it.I’m the one searching yard sales, clipping coupons and shopping Wallmart. So now you people think I should use gas I can’t afford to drive further to borrow a free book from the library. Not every damn house here is a mansion, but we’re taxed like it.
bet – I agree, I live on the old side of Fallston – or should I say the “poor side” of Fallston — that’s what I call it when I tell people where I live. And Phil Dirt – then why don’t they close one of the branches with a much smaller circulation — or how about the Havre de Grace or Aberdeen branches where no one will work without a police escort!! Give those of us who USE it a break.
PS – if you haven’t checked out the astroturf at the rec council bowl, go take a gander at that and wonder what that’s all about… astroturf for a bunch of little kids to play football?! on that same uber dangerous street that is unsafe for library patrons? sounds like the typical Harford County good old boy network to me.
bet – your argument should actually be with the people in your village who fought for years to stop having a (Klein’s, McDonalds, fill in the blank with almost any proposed project) built in Fallston. The argument was always that they didn’t want ANTYTHING in Fallston – just their homes and land. If they wanted (fill in the blank), they could drive to Bel Air. Well, it looks like it’s coming back to bite them, and unfortunately it’s taking a chunk out of you, too.
Juls – I’m not saying that your branch should close; I’m just pointing out that it’s only the fourth busiest.
Does it need to be this drastic? And sudden? Could we try to raise funds for this and keep it open even part-time for another year or even six months while looking for a long term solution? Libraries are one investment in the community that reaps rewards in multiple ways, and we should seriously explore all alternatives before closing a branch. I have visited libraries in many counties of Maryland and other states and always been proud of how well-endowed we in Harford County are. I think if we work hard we may yet be able to save one of our most precious resources.
How many other libraries are facing this situation nationwide?
How do you think the newly appointed County Councilman is feeling today? Let’s see in less then a month on the job the closing of his districts Library.
Welcome to politics Mr. Woods don’t think Councilwomen Chenowith would be happy with your vote on this issue.
We really need qualified people on the Council who understand how things work in the real world.
Aravinda, I agree with you that the fundraising should be tried. I think that if we contact the library director, Ms. Caplan, she can explain the costs involved. I agree that the drastic move got people’s attention. I would be very willing to help with a fundraiser event for the library, perhaps that option is open. With schools out, the kids do congregate in air conditioned buildings, so we could use some of their talents, too. With all of the 4th of July events coming up, we could at the least, pass the hat, so to speak, to get donations to the library cause. Your idea about a part time branch is a good one, too. Perhaps some of the county’s capital budget could be cut to address this shortfall in the library budget. On Monday, I will call and see what info I can get from Ms. Caplan and then post here to let you know.
For the record, Mr. Woods deserves a chance to prove himself. I don’t think that he voted on the budget that MR. CRAIG presented to the council. The council only can remove funds from the proposed budget, not add. The council chose a 5% decrease across the board to help all of the county citizens. They did not take any money away from anyone, the budget was over and above the 5% decrease that the council voted on. The increase in property taxes that each of us pays, is still more money than last year’s budget, so the “fuzzy math” that Mr. Craig used is the problem.
Aravinda, your name is very pretty! God bless!
Braveheart,
Perhaps Mr. McGrady can answer the millionaire slumlord question. His family owns numerous abandoned properties in the Aberdeen area. In prior posts he goes on a rampage saying that he does not want to pay for anyone’s section 8 housing. I find that laughable since one of the largest projects that his family owns is full of section 8 tenants. Just ask anyone in Aberdeen about the McGrady family, they will tell you plenty. Whoever Dave is, he is right on with the millionaire slumlord quote. I find it hypocritical at best to watch a millionaire slumlord lead the charge for reducing property taxes and going on a rampage about government services for the little guy when his family makes or has made money off the very types of government programs he rails against.
Dear Honest Harford Voter,
My name is Mrs. Leonard N. McGrady, Sr., also known as Mrs. Pat McGrady,
My husband and I are blessed to have 4 healthy, strong, intelligent and employed children. We are also blessed with a daughter-in-law and two healthy grandbabies. You sir, are mistaken on so many issues, I am very happy to set you straight. I do question why you hesitate to use your given name.
My husband and I are the proud owners of only 4 properties in the city of Aberdeen. I am the property manager of those properties.
In addition, I am the property manager of Holly Circle Townhouses, LLC. 75 townhouses. It is not section 8. It has not been section 8 for almost 10 years. The townhouses, do not belong to my husband or me. We manage them. I am very proud of the work that my husband and children have done to renovate the townhouses. The work is a slow but steady improvement on the units as they become empty. The units have a make-over from the ground up…new floors, cabinets, plumbing, windows,doors, carpet, appliances and they look fantastic. I offer anyone the opportunity to visit and or go on line and see finished unit.
Some of the changes that we have implemented at Holly Circle, include a criminal, credit and rental background check. We have a double security deposit and have worked with both the city police and the county police to help rid the area of deadbeat tenants.
Many of our tenants have lived at Holly Circle for more than 25 years. I hope that you are aware that my family, my husband and children, have worked with and for Aberdeen, and Harford county for all of my husband and my married lives, almost 31 years. You sir, are sorely mistaken if you think that any of what we have was a gift. You sir, have the audacity to berate my family without knowing the facts, or even checking to see if your facts are close to accurate.
For the record, go on line and look at the new Holly Circle Townhouse.com website and see it for yourself. If you choose to come and see me at the office, call first, to make sure I am not at Fort Knox depositing all of my ill-gotten gains. You want to mess with me, go right ahead, but you better leave my children and family out of it! God bless you, Mrs. Pat McGrady,
Pat, your web page doesn’t show the “property”, your roadways in Holly Circle have pot holes that lead to third world countries, and whatever roadway isn’t dotted by pot holes, standing water, or youths flashing interesting hand signs hasn’t seen a decent layer of asphalt since the Clinton was denying “that woman” on national television.
I really like the gang spray painting, ummmm, it’s called a pressure washer. In case you haven’t visited, in the rear by the broken fence.
As for the Section 8 or HUD subsidized you may want to check on a couple of the renters, I can give you addresses. I really like the ones that have the front door open while dirty faced kids run in and out and men adorned with funky fresh medallions sip frosty beverages from brown paper bags while they blast the latest hip hop from the car speakers.
Fine area that you manage, showcase of Aberdeen, and we wonder why the newest BRAC arrivals are going to Riverside, Bel Air, and Belcamp to seek housing.
Can the Bel Air, Abington, and Jarrettsville libraries handle the extra traffic that closing the Fallston branch would create? If you split Fallston’s 308,628 circulation between those three branches you talking about a 10% increase at Bel Air, a 12% increase at Abington, and a 36% increase a Jarretsville. I know that Bel Air branch often needs to backdate returned items because they cannot get them all checked in on the date they are returned.
Sharon it has alway’s been a mystery, to me why aberdeen has or had the largest majority’ of low income houseing in the area. I recall the section 8 program being advertised in the aegis.
30 + plus years ago. Baldwin manor inc. being one of the first to jump at the chance at 75% percent guaranteed rent. I also recall Bel Air trying to prevent renting to section 8. it is what it is a breeding ground for crime.
This bickering back and forth has absolutely nothing to do with the Fallston library. Seems like the topics of the comments have gone off track.
I would like to know what criteria were used to determine whether there really is a need to close any branch library and if there is what quantifiable measures were used to select one over all the others.
The much larger question is what, if any, criteria the County Executvie used to make any of the budget decisions. It does not appear as if there were any quantifiable measures for any decisions.
Linda the bickering has everything to do with it. This is exactly what people got told would happen if the budget was cut. This is the first of many things that will affect everyone!
John very simple less money….something must go….. hours and staff had been cut for the original budget new cuts will require some cuts….A branch closure is most efficient. After all don’t you think it is govt. waste?
Didn’t mean to hijack the thread Linda, just wanted to set the record straight where McGrady is concerned.
Cdev,
Sir/Ma’am
Thank you for the explanation. But it seems that there should be something more to the solution than simply cutting a branch of the library in order to balance the budget.
I would have expected that someone, or all, in the Harford County Executive Branch would have conducted a complete analyis of all County operations, at the very begining of the budgetary process, and determined what operations were absolutely critical, and then rank ordered all of the operations to come up with a budget.
If the library system was, as a result of the analysis, determined to be at or below the budget cut line, then that decision should be fully explained. If as a result of the analysis a determination is made that a library branch should be closed, then there should be some very quantifiable and defensible criteria for that decision.
I have not seen any analysis that would lead to any budget decision made in the Executive Branch. That indicates to me that the whole process is somewhat serendipitous, and it should be remedied. If less tax revenue is the catalyst for revising the budget process, then there will be a great benefit to the County as a whole from the present circumstances.
Vietnam Vet,
I think it is a toss-up as to what area has the most Section 8 housing, Edgewood or Aberdeen. The two areas reap the rewards of Section 8 housing. We who live in these communities, being of good heart, filled with generosity, would not mind shareing our Section 8 housing with Bel Air, Fallston, Dublin, Darlington, and Forest Hill. Any takers?
Good morning, to you mr Riley. I think Aberdeen is learning it’s lesson. Edgewood is becomeing the leader for low income houseing. Albeit the seniors are being forced to live under these conditions.
Hi Delegate Dan,
No thanks!
Something else was brought to my attention earlier today and I wanted to share it with you all. At the county council budget hearings at CMW and at Joppa HS, the speakers that addressed the council were from two groups…the library folks and the tax revolt folks. Doesn’t it seem a little odd that the two groups that showed up are being played against each other? The analogy that was used to explain it to me was the County Exec is playing chess, with the library and the less tax groups as pawns meanwhile, the library and the tax group is playing checkers…different game altogether, but we, the library and tax groups are on the same page. The budget needs to be re-worked within the parameters that Mr. Mallamo outlines (#27) before such an extreme action like closing the Fallston branch occurs. I hope people show up at the meeting to voice their concerns.
Ms. Sharon,
Thank you for your comments on Holly Circle Townhouses. As I stated in my post, my response was to Honest Harford Voter, and the process of renovating HCT is slow and costly. The tenants that live at HCT are not Sec. 8 and we do not receive any funds from the government at all. The damages that you referred to are being repaired as quickly as we are able. The impact of the the town’s increased prop. taxes and the county’s increased prop. taxes will slow the process even more. The website I referred to has photos of some of the units that are completed and that is what I said. The diversity of our residents is a positive thing, and I am proud to call most of the tenants my friends. We are working to make Holly Circle a safe and happy family place to live. It is a slow, but steady process. Thank you again for your observations. God bless.
The logical response to the need to cut 5% of the budget would be to curtail hours at all the branches, not completely close one. A simple analysis could be completed of the hours of lowest use for all branches and make a decision based on the results. The choice to completely do away with one branch indicates there may be a hidden agenda. As a homeowner of relative newness to Harford County I have become aware of a certain stigma attached to Fallston, both on the part of children and adults alike. There seems to be a , “Oh, those people from Fallston think they’re better than us” vibe. I pay the same taxes as everyone else in this county and want to know why they are taking my library. Are there plans for the building or land on which it sits? Has a well connected developer been lobbying for access to the site? This is too radical a decision for poorly documented reasons when a simple curtailing of hours at all branches would suffice. Any ideas anyone for the real reasoning behind this decision?
Tami that makes sense in many ways but there is an inherent cost saving in closing a building entirely. Maybe that is the wrong branch to close. I sure do not know; but it is a obvious reaction to an additional reduction in the budget.
As Arivinda asked in her posting (#14), can’t citizens do fundraisers to keep the Fallston Branch open? Does anyone agree with me that this may be the reason the Fallston branch was selected to close? Aberdeen or Edgewood would never be able to raise adequate funds, no disrespect intended, just speaking truthfully. Jarrettsville, Havre de Grade and the other branches are too small to raise enough funds in order to keep their branch open, and, as pointed out by someone earlier, they wouldn’t dare think of closing their pride & joy–Abingdon. Fallston stands the best shot at rallying the people, as they have done so numerous times previously, and actually having a successful fundraiser. I think this was a very shrewd and calculated move on the part of the Board of Trustees.
Dave made a comment about the property tax cut helping to keep slum lords holding on to their rental properties, but since the County tax cut was to lower the homestead tax credit, something only allowed to be used on the primary residence, won’t that form of a tax cut (i.e. actually not increasing taxes as much) not help any landlords at all?
Closing a valued library that is currently serving our community (and with high circulation) seems a bit extreme. These financial stresses will not last forever. Can’t we cut back county wide, share the burden and come back stronger for it?
If you are interested in keeping Fallston Library open please sign the petition at
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/SaveFallstonLibrary/
Tami – you’ve made a very good point about a hidden agenda, especially with the new senior center going in just a block up the street from the library. If the county is trying to create more services for seniors, why is the library closest to the senior center being closed? I know many of our senior citizens use the library heavily as a mode of entertainment and to keep their minds strong and active.
Reduced hours across all of the libraries and a fund drive is a much better solution. I’d participate in a fundraiser for this.
And yes, the stigma of living in Fallston is rediculous. There are a number of new (i.e. post 1990) developments that have created that stigma, but the average homeowner in Fallston isn’t much different than the average homeowner in Bel Air. We’ve been there since 1981 on our little ‘farmette’ geting by and raising kids, vegitables, and chickens for years — not the current Fallston image but it is the one that suits most of us ;o)
I intend to be present at the meeting this Thursday about the closing to put forth the suggestion that there be a reduction in hours at all branches. As far as a fundraiser goes, this would not be a one time infusion of capital needed, but a maintenance provision of cash. As far as I am concerned my fund raiser occurs each time my taxes are paid. If anyone is aware of an ongoing protest process in the works please let me know about it. If not, let’s get one started. I can be contacted at coquim@comcast.net.
Councilman Joe Woods promised several times to abstain from voting on the budget since he was not a member of the council during the budget hearings. He was even quoted in the Aegis as such. It took him all of four weeks to break a promise. Can you imagine what he will do with a year and a half or even a four year term? Disgraceful if you ask me.
There is no gray area here. You either do what you say you will do or not. I have no agenda toward Woods. This is just a matter of a public official keeping their word. Here is a tip Joe, people love libraries. If you had just done what you had promised to do, you could have avoided blame for closing the Fallston Library. Politics 101, Chief.
juls, the perception of a “Fallston attitude” is not a creation of the post-1990 developments; it’s been around at least since the 1970s, and perhapes longer. Although it may have been the product of the statements from just a few Fallstonians (Fallstonites?), I know that the general opinion from the Bel Air area was that Fallston looked at us as the dumping ground for all commercial activities that they used but didn’t want fouling their pleasant community, and given the chance, they would probably secede from Harford County to get away from the riffraff.
Students of the time laughed at the attitude of folks who would open a brand new high school complete with a sign in front stating “A proud tradition of excellence”, as if they could redefine the language and purchase a “tradition” with their above-average incomes.
Even some of the debate over the Senior Center only added to the perception, and unfortunately for those who do not live in the mini-mansions, Fallston isn’t going to get a whole lot of sympathy from the rest of the county over the library closing.
The stigma may or may not be deserved, but it’s there and had been for quite a while. All I know is that when it was time for me to look for a home in the early ’80s, I instructed my real estate agent to find something in the greater Bel Air area and north, and specifically not Fallston. Growing up in Bel Air, I know how we looked upon them as a whole and how they looked upon us, and it did influence my decision. I’m sure there are some in Fallston who would say, “Good riddance. We wouldn’t want you here anyway.” I truly feel sorry for you and any others who are undeservedly affected by this decades-old attitude from both sides.
Phil – I agree with you, and Fallston has only shot itself in the foot with it’s not in my backyard attitude. Just look at the condition of the “Fallston Mall” What a dump!!! A real grocery store would have gone a long way. And the attitude didn’t stop the development all the way down Rt 1. Personally I enjoy the conveniences the new establishments offer.
As usually, it’s a few loud people making everyone else look bad, and this time around this poor attitude may loose something very special – our library.
No mini-mansions here Phil. Just a book lover on a budget who has been thrilled with the polite and informative staff of the Fallston branch as well as the efficiency of reserving high demand books and having them transfered from other branches within days of the request. As for the NIMBY references, there is a huge difference between not wanting a business in one’s community and deserving access to a tax based resource, apples and oranges really.
I just spoke with with Ms. Michelle Sobieskis at the number listed to call for more info. She was quite clear in explaining that the Board will be voting immediately after the the public hearing to finalize their decision. Half an hour is not very long to hear ideas and suggestions about other options, particularly if the final vote will be immediately after, but I intend to show up and put in my $.02 anyway.
Remembering I am new to the area, who is representative form Fallston that should be advocating for his/her constituents on this issue and is silent?
It’s apples and oranges if you think that the apples should have more county resources spent on their area because they have to live with the side effects of the businesses (which produce additional revenue) being located in their area, and the oranges can drive to Appleville if they need to use the things that aren’t available in Orangetown.
I’m not necessarily talking about you, Tami, but instead the NIMBYs who want NOTHING – not even a senior center, for God’s sake! – built to spoil their view. That is, except for the very select few things that they specifically want and believe that they should have the right to be selective simply because they are oranges.
Did I mention cell phone towers? Do you really think no one in the area would complain about poor reception if all of the efforts to block the towers were successful? Sometimes people need to be protected from themselves.
This is only directed at a certain few who have a tendency to ruin things for others. If it does not apply to you, please don’t take offense.
If it does, well…
I will take the NIMBY folks and Fallstonites in Fallston over the gangs, violence, and crime in the Route 40 corridor.
Bill that is not true of everyone on the route 40 corridor and I find it offensive. I think there are many people in Havre de Grace, Belcamp, Aberdeen, Edgewood and Joppatowne who all would take serious offense to what you just said!
This is a shame. I have so many memories of this branch. As a kid, this is where my grandmother took me every weekend and I would sit among the pillows in the corner by the window and read. It was also a great resource during my school years, before Whiteford’s branch finally got a real building (instead of a trailer). It has a great one floor layout – very easy to find what you’re looking for compared to some branches where things are split up by levels and various rooms. And the employees there were always friendly. I will be sad to see it close.
I think a lot of us are making generalizations according to which town we live in that aren’t necessarily true.
I’ve lived in Harford County all my life. The stereotypes have always been there. Does that make them true? No.
What’s important here is to understand that a budget has been cut, and then cut again.
I’m sure when the library system was told about the first cut, they looked at many different ways to cut back, and did so in order to comply with the new budget. You can only trim a tree so far. With the additional budget cut, they surely had to go beyond what they could have imagined and I’m sure they put as much thought as possible into it, in the amount of time they were given.
My thoughts are with the Library Board of Trustees and Director as they make this difficult decision.
There was a story in the Aegis the other day about The Taste of Harford held at Bulle Rock. Apparently there was a silent auction which listed several beneficiaries. Two of the beneficiaries were Harford County Public Schools magnet programs – Science and Math Academy and Biomedical Program at Bel Air High. So along with raising money for Ronald McDonald House, other proceeds are going towards these two programs that exclude students. How about them donating that money to help keep the library open which benefits everyone.
My son goes to the library to be tutored because there is no other place in Fallston for him and his tutor to meet that is a half way point for both of us. It is a quit place for him to learn and for me to pay a private tutor. What other options do the children of Fallston have? There are other resources in Fallston for them to do research besides school. The Harford County Government would rather approve to build a new library in Churchville then keep the one in Fallston open now ask yourself does that make any sense? Government try funding what you have first then starting a project you can’t afford down the road are you going to close the new Churchville Branch because of lack of funds in the budget?
You are right Cdev, there are many more good people than bad along Rt. 40. That being said, I would not put my family in that situation. The good need to stand up to the bad and drive them out. If that means calling the police on any small problem until the send an actual presence, so be it. The good people need to fight back. This is off topic but it needs to be said over and over before it’s too late.
In the ONLY Aegis article Caplan stated that if they don’t close a branch then they will close ALL branches for an additional 21 furlough days. So, adding that to the already scheduled 5 furlough days, that is like closing ALL branches for a month. And that would be NO service at ANY branch those days. What about staff not recieving pay for 26 days?
The article also said they are laying off staff and have several positions open but frozen, so we could assume the Fallston staff may be taking those positions.
Am I the only one who wonders why the Aegis isn’t covering this story more fully? I can answer my own question by reading the editorials–they side with the council and don’t want to share the other side of the story. This breeds rumors.
If they limit hours at all branches, they can’t keep all the staff to work less hours. They need to balance the budget This is not a small amount of money—I can’t imagine what kind of fundraiser could raise $800,000. That is a crazy idea!
Bill one it may be off topic. But I agree. See It hear It report it ! let our police officer’s know there doing a great job!
Denise,
The Baltimore Sun Paper and Aegis are not worth reading. The Aegis is never in front of a story. It is not worth the paper it is printed on. The Baltimore Sun Paper has lost most of its center right circulation due to its promotion of a pro-left issues. It really has become nothing more than a mouth piece for the Maryland Democratic Party.
Due yourself a favor and subsribe to the Wall Street Journal for a year. It is more than a business paper. You’ll actually be reading facts rather opinions.
That goodness for the Dagger, you’ll need to do some sifting at times but inevitably you’ll find relavent news and real facts.
Denise,
Just to follow up on the Library. I have it on good authority that a significant part of the the Harford County Library’s increase in circulation and “JUSTIFICATION IN THEIR MINDS” for great budgets are the DVDs and CDs. The library has become a CENTER FOR FREE MOVIE RENTALS. The Head of Library has aspirations for higher office in the state of Maryland.
This budget debacle is the result of Harford County Government providing services that they should have never started in the first place. Harford County spending has increased from $420,000,000 in 2005 to $610,000,000 in 2009 – a 45% Increase. These are facts that can be looked up on the State of Maryland’s website.
I for one love the Library and the services that it provides. However, I’m not willing to see my tax bill increase 9% annually to continue building underutilized libraries. The existing libraries can all stay operational with the funds they are being alloted. The County needs to start cutting over inflated staff salaries and benefits and eliminating positions.
Everyone is arguing over this library. Wait till the county wide layoffs come and people lose their livliehood and see is there is a fundraiser for them
Vietnam vet and Bill One –
Yeah thanks Sheriff Jesse Bane for helping to displace that Edgewood Crime to other parts of Harford County. Remember Jesse Bane’s motto – something like this “you can’t stop crime – you can only move it along”. Nice…..
40trash,
Just like many private sector jobs – the Government sector needs a huge correction in salaries and pensions. The time is now. The tax dollars are drying up and the Politicians have no where to hide.
Its not a correction in wages and pensions, this is actual people losing their real jobs, not a correction not an adjustment but someone now making zero dollars an hour all over a 50 dollar tax break. GET REAL PEOPLE.
40trash,
It is actual people that pay the tax and fee increases year in and year out. I don’t work 55 hours a week so that I can have a Bigger Irresponsible Spending Government. The Government employess will need to live on less just like private sector employees. I’ve been with Companies that have had three year pay freezes – if employees didn’t like it – they were free to find something else.
Take a look here Taxpayers – there is a lot more going on at the Harford County Libraries than probably needs be.
FROM THE HARFORD COUNTY BUDGET:
MISSION STATEMENT:
TO BE THE PREMIER LIBRARY SYSTEM, RECOGNIZED FOR DELIVERING INNOVATIVE SERVICES. PROVIDING ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND
PROMOTING THE LOVE OF READING WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
FY ’09 – ’10 KEY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
TO HAVE A CULTURE WHERE INNOVATION IS THE NORM
o Decrease cultural barriers to innovation
o Increase the number of innovative internal methods and practices
o Increase the number of innovation customer-focused programs and services
TO PROVIDE CUSTOMIZED SERVICES TO TARGETED AUDIENCES IN THE COMMUNITY
o Increase support to school-aged children and teens
o Improve library service to populations new to Harford County
o Enhance the services we provide to our online community
o Increase library access and resources for commuters
TO USE ADVOCACY, PARTNERSHIPS, AND FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES TO INCREASE RESOURCES IN SUPPORT OF INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES
o Increase key decision makers’ level of understanding about Library initiatives and issues
o Increase contributions to the Library from business partners within the community
o Improve cooperation between the Library and HCPL Foundation to support fundraising efforts
o Improve collaboration among HCPL Foundation, Friends groups, and the Library to support Friends efforts
o Increase funding to support strategic objectives
TO MEET CUSTOMER TECHNOLOGY NEEDS BY PROVIDING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING
o Increase understanding of library customers’ technology needs
o Increase the library’s knowledge and use of innovative technologies
o Increase organization’s effectiveness in training staff in new and existing technologies
o Increase customer usage of new and existing technologies
TO HELP THE COMMUNITY UNDERSTAND AND VALUE THE INNOVATIVE SERVICES PROVIDED BY HCPL
o Increase in-house understanding of Marketing’s role as an integral part of library service delivery
o Increase advertising, publicity, and promotional efforts for library main events and improve library positioning in the community
o Improve the quality of HCPL marketing materials
o Increase funding for marketing
$800,000 is what was spent on the woodshop by parks and rec. It may be a nice shop, but how many does it serve?
Maybe their goals should just be to provide reading material to the masses. I do have one cut they could make. Whomever made the goals and objectives list could be fired. Looks like they have too much free time.
Bill and Vietnam Vet
There are many of us who do call and report crimes, hold our own children responsible and do what we should. Hope all is well.
The Fallston library has served a lot of communities when we didn’t have our own (Jarrettsville) and was and has always been a wonderful resource. The question should be look at the areas we overspend in. Is a police station of the size of Jarrettsville’s neccessary in Jarrettsville? Why not offer sponsership of some of our smaller parks to companies like we do the roads? A park would certainly be more lucrative. Or even some of the athletic fields? There are options that don’t include closing a resource that to many is the only way they can access the Internet to job search or prepare a resume. Thinking ahead & a little creativity could help in maintaining a county I’m proud to say has been home my entire life.
That is what the county leadership has not done for decades- think ahead. The only politicians who did think ahead were the ones that bought property where a road or trail was going to pass.
bill one
please get out of the 19th century—we are in the 21st
Your view of libraries is so outdated I snorted with laughter. If you look at any large library system you would find similar strategic plans and similar services. If you want to go back to just providing reading material we could close all the branches and go back to bookmobile service. That would save $800,000.
This is just not a Fallston issue. My wife was talking to a librarian at Bel Air. There’s talk not only of Fallston closing but layoffs coming to the HCPL system as well. This is real world. You can’t keep taxing county residents who are pressed more and more by rising costs of everything. You can’t give the Sheriff’s department a 16% raise and expect to have money in other areas. Unlike the Fed govt that can just print money, state and local govt have to face cuts. We’re headed for inflation like we’ve never seen in our lifetime, couple that with a weak economy, we are all going to get hit. The Fallston library is just a shining example of the times in which we live.
I’ve read a couple people, including Councilman Wood, suggest there aren’t going to be layoffs at the library, but I don’t think that’s accurate. I work part time for the library system, and I fully expect to be out of work in two weeks, since I was one of the last people hired. I don’t know for sure, but I am certain that they are going to reassign most of the Fallston staff, and somebody’s got to go in the other branches to make way for them.
Also, the Churchville library that’s being built, it’s not actually being built *yet* – there was a bond issue approved to fund it, but what I understand is that the bonds haven’t been issued yet, and who knows what will happen with that? Anyways, that’s Capital money that can’t be used for operating funds, which is what’s had to be cut to meet the annual budget cuts. 1.6 million a year total in cuts, that’s EVERY year, not just one time. There’s no way you could raise that kind of money, every year, with fundraisers. It’s too bad the library system hasn’t had a chance to build itself a bigger foundation, that’s what foundations are good for in these kind of climates.
Maybe they could stop providing DVD’s and CD’s, kid’s video games, internet services, etc., but the trend across the country over the past 25 years has been for libraries that don’t offer these things get petitioned by the community to do so. It’s where the public demand is, and that’s the whole point of taxes, right, for the public that pays them to get the services they would like to have, and need?
I’m not a big fan of the enormous tax rate in Maryland, believe me. I’d like to see cuts, too, in spending, but it’s amazing how budget cuts always end up affecting the little guy, services for the poor, the average family, etc., and the people with all the money and power ride above it all unscathed.
I wish there wasn’t so much infighting among the different areas of Harford County. It’s ugly, and anytime there’s fighting and a lack of unified leadership in any community or organization, it opens up opportunities for the foxes to run free in the henhouse.
The criteria used do not show that the Fallston library is the worst at meeting HCPL stated mission. Clearly the Fallston library was selected to be closed, and then the criteria for closing were selected to support the closing of the Fallston library. That is why the criteria rely on location arguments, and not circulation. If the criteria for closing were supported by the mission statement, I’d have an easier time with the closing.
Also note that the new Churchville library is not in a location that will have walk-in traffic. If it was not an issue there why is it one here?
Ginny – Please take a look at post 60 above. The Library System envisions itself as much more than just a traditional library source. I’d be willing to bet that the MAJORITY of Harford County Taxpayers would settle for traditional library sevices and would forego the alternative goals and objectives that are part of the Libraries budget.
To Those Protesting the Close of Fallston Library:
There is a saying “too little, too late”. At this point you are doing more harm than good with a petition to keep Fallston Library open.
I must ask – Where were you when the budget was first proposed? I am well aware the turn around time for the new budget was very minimal, but in that time period I also spoke with the County Council, David Craig, HCPL Administrative Office and started a petition to have David Craig veto the bill.
Where were you “informed citizens” when the budget was going through this process. At this point the budget has passed “tax law can not be taken to referendum”. What’s done is done.
If a library branch does not shut down there will be even more lay offs to employees. More people will lose their jobs.
Please stop and think about the repercussions your actions will have.
If you are so upset about this closing then perhaps there are other ways for you to make your voice heard. Perhaps you should consider what to do in the next election. Should you re-elect those who were a cause of this problem? Should you make yourself more aware of what is going on in your community and government prior to issues escalating past the point of no return?
I know we are all saddened by the closing of a library, but please consider the greater good of your community members. Again, if the branch were to remain open – MORE citizens, community members and friends will lose their jobs.
I applaud your efforts; I know the feeling of helplessness as I tried very hard to bring this matter to people’s attention prior to the bill being passed by David Craig. But we must go forward and view a greater picture. Inform yourself on all aspects before jumping head first into something you’re not fully aware of. Every action has a reaction, to protest the closing could cause greater damage than you realize.
– – – Ginny – – – – Baltimore County Libraries charge a $2 Fee for Movie rentals, I don’t know about CD’s. Perhaps this is something that can be brought to the attention of the HCPL Administration with a bit of intensity? The bill has passed but how about a little pressure on HCPL administrators for the spending of money to provide the community with a MASS volume of TWILIGHT DVD’s?!?! The library should be upheld as an EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION, NOT A FREE MOVIE STORE.
Let’s Get Creative Harford County. It is our responsibility as community members to be well informed.
Juls- You might just be the poster child for that “Fallston Attitude” referred to in earlier posts with your comment about Aberdeen Library workers needing a police escort.
Al you know as well as I do. Gang member’s have A right to free public service’s there was mention of gang member’s being present at the aberdeen library some time back.
Not surpriseing they can be found in most areas of the county.
We have been residents in the Fallston area for 34 years. Probably one of the best things that the county has done for us is the library. I took my three children there faithfully and now I take my grandchildren there for many of the events and to just get books to read. My grandchildren have been in the summer reading program every year and 2 of them have helped with the program. With the cost of gas, an extra 7 miles one way to Bel Air it is getting tough. We love the library and need to have this service for the people in the surrounding area.
I’ve been reading these posts all day (should be working but…) I have a few things to say. I live in Fallston, MD. I’m from Fallston, MD. I have lived in Bel Air. I have friends, and I kayak in Edgewood. I go to yard sales in Aberdeen. I love the water up in Havre de Grace. Some of you need to get over your attitudes about people from Fallston. Honestly, it sounds like freakin’ High School! Yeah it’s true, we didn’t want strip malls, and drug stores on every corner…so we petitioned, and sometimes (YES SOMETIMES) we got what we wanted. Is that so bad? This is “shooting ourselves in the foot?” TRYING to keep Fallston green? I’m not really following how this is so horrible? If only we could have kept some residential developers at bay… Maybe it wouldn’t take me 18 minutes to drive 2 miles on rt. 152? Now because of we spoke up against commercial business popping up everywhere – we should lose our library? A library that is 4th in the county (out of 11 existing libraries) in circulation?
I’ve heard how we’re classified as snobs all my life. Got news for you. There’s people that have their noses so high in the sky that I wonder why they don’t drown in the shower – EVERYWHERE Yes Mr. Dirt…even in Bel Air. In addition, soccer mom’s can even make me (a Fallstonian) want to drive blunt objects in my temples …but it’s no reason to condemn an entire community for God’s sake. There’s a lot of actual down to Earth good people here believe it or not.
And if you actually read my posts, JA, you would see that I never condemned the entire community, but I suppose it’s more fun to TYPE WORDS IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS and rant. However, it is refreshing to see that you are capable of reading my chart on library circulation totals.
By the way SOME OF YOUR COMMUNITY (hey, that IS fun!) do not want strip malls, drug stores, grocery stores, senior centers, churches, cell phone towers or anything else at all on ANY corner. Oh, but a LIBRARY… that’s different.
JA: STOP… GO BACK… Read it again carefully – “SOME OF YOUR COMMUNITY” (not everyone, not all of your community, not most, not many)
I don’t know about other people, but I’d be willing to pay a fee for movies. Keep it under what blockbuster and netflix charge, along with the knowledge that my kids can browse and not be offered R and NC17 or worse choices, and I’ll go there if it will help my library system.
There are other ways.
could we get back to the back to the library issue…
braveheart– read post 66–this is not your daddy’s library, nor are any large local library systems. HCPL is inline with others–I’m not sure what “traditional” services you want–maybe get rid of computers and go back to the old handwritten pocket checkout card and an old fashioned multi-drawer card catalog? Not have audio books or computers available at the branches? The have the ability to reserve a book from other branches or other Maryland libraries? No drive thrus? No meeting rooms to hold events? No Summer Reading Program for kids?
The free DVDs and games are popular because times are tight and it is a savings for Harford county residents. Times have changed and innovation, fundraising and technology are a major part of any library. If you want to rant, you could at least be educated about the subject. Look at other Maryland libraries and what they offer.
Harford county has a GREAT library!!
Budgets need to be balanced. People will lose jobs. Fallston will close. Furlough days will be scheuled. Other branches will be open less hours. This is the reality of a recession.
Denise,
I”M DONE PAYING FOR YOUR MOVIE RENTALS – GO READ A BOOK!
My family often uses the library. I love the Bel Air library and have been using it since the early 80’s. I’m disappointed that the Fallston library may close. I’m all for technology and modernization. However, in the business world and in the FAMILY world, you spend within your means. Unfortunately people in Government are spending other peoples money irresponsibly and to promote their social agenda.
Go look that the post 60 – which is directly from the Harford County Budget. The Library OPERATING budget was $14.4 MILLION in 2007, $15.7 MILLION in 2008, and Proposed at $16.7 Million in 2009, 9% and 6% increases.
Enoughs enough…..
Juls,
Why should a public operation, the library, be allowed to compete with a private business, Blockbuster or Netflix? Plus, you want it to be subsidized by the taxpayer by keeping the price lower than the others. If it is that important, you should be willing to pay more at the library than you would from a rental store.
As far as children looking at NC 17 movies, it should fall to the parent first and foremost to police his or her child.
Grass roots where were all these tax protestors. I was at the Joppatowne meeting and heard only a couple talk about libraries and a couple about property taxes. This last minute screaming is the cause of irresponsible fiscal cuts.
Cdev,
Please move to Prince Georges, Montgomery, or Baltimore City. You’ll fit right in.
You and and your big government finally woke the hand that feeds you and now we are about to bite you.
Move on – as George Soros states!
William
My point was that Baltimore County has movies but you pay a rental fee. It’s kept low so that all can enjoy it. I’m willing to do that if it helps our library system. As for parental responsiblity, I agree. It’s nice to be able to let my children browse and know that they are safe to do so.
Several years ago the County Exec decided to build all sorts of amenities in North Harford (Police Station, , Fire House, Library to name a few). At the time, there were people questioning this huge expenditure and the operating costs associated with it. How about applying LIFO rule (Last In First Out). If you look at many of the Parks & Recs projects, they are also slated for North Harford (outside the development envelope). It seems like many of the nice amenities went outside the development envelope and the people that live inside of it, are getting stuck dealing with lots of traffic and empty stores (especially grocery and gas stations).
braveheart
You are not paying for MY movie rentals—I watch maybe 3 movies each month–usually freebies from comcast. On the other hand I have read at least 3 books already this month and have several books reserved at the library. (by the way–didn’t your mother tell you it was impolite to scream?)
If you want to pay for DVDs, then be my guest and drive down to baltimore co. Entertainment has always been part of the library, and that won’t be changing soon.
I have looked at the budget—probably in more detail than you. Prices have gone up all over—for books, for ultilies, for staff, for supplies, for gas– so if the budget doesn’t keep pace in some way then services and jobs are lost. We are not living in 2007 or 2008–we are talking about an operating budget for fiscal year 2010. My household budget has gone up, how can expect the library’s not to do the same? Even if the vote may be postponed for Fallston—the decision for layoffs will not and people will lose their jobs this month.
Denise,
How do you expect Taxpayers to continually pay higher taxes? it is as simple as that.
Should retiress lose their homes because they are on fixed incomes and can’t afford higher and higher property taxes?
I’d like to know what percentage of my family income should be paid to the Government as tax? Why don’t you tell us so we know where you stand?
10%, 15%, 20%, 50% – what is right number in your opinion?
Braveheart….How did the retirees aford the taxes before they retired? If they could not afford to retire then they should still be working. I am eligible for retirement at 57. I will have 30 years in and a small pension from another job. The reality is I know I can not afford to retire until about 65. So I will work longer for 43 years total.
CDEV: Many people didn’t anticipate the tsunami of this economic downfall so maybe they retired before their 401’s value went down and they can’t sell their home or something like that. Some people were forced into early retirement like people who worked at GM Transmission plant in White Marsh. You are fortunate that you are getting paid by the government. My property taxes have gone up substantially since 2000, as has my BGE bill, health insurance, groceries, gasoline expenses, prescription costs – the list goes on. I have a lot less disposable income and I’m not retired. Actually the people I know who have suffered the least in this economy are people who work for the government (especially federal govt.).
I am not getting paid by the government I am working for a private firm providing special ed services for special needs children. I used to work for a public school. My wife does. I am dealing with all this but when I retire I will plan on tough times and be thankful for the good. The GM workers who got laid off are one thing but again some of these “poor retirees” did not plan properly. That is not my problem. Beside all the things you mention that went up are the same reasons the cost of govt services go up. It is called inflation and people should prepare for that. Even the value of there homes inflate.
#89,
Inflation is not connected at all to the property assessment department.
We haven’t seen inflation above 9% since Jimmy Carter (knock on wood) but the property taxes in Harford County have been increasing at 9% for a long time. They are considering capping it at 5% for residential real property, and it goes to the Council for a vote on July 14.
That is still greater than inflation, which for the past decade or so has been contained to between 2-3%.
The taxes are not going up the value of the property is. It is still being taxed at the same rate it was before! Your house is worth more. This is partially due to inflation and the devalued US Dollar. This thanks for this can be given to those who sent you those checks in the mail and just printed more money.
No, that is government speak. The value of homes has not increased over the past 24 months, and it could be argued, in real terms, since 2005, yet taxes are still increasing.
And I’m tired of this same crappy Craig argument that “taxes aren’t going up the rate stayed the same.” That is absolute bull. The dollar value of taxes is increasing, so taxes are going up. People have to write a bigger check. People can spend less on savings and investments or food. People are spending larger portions of their incomes on taxes. The check written to the County is larger from one year to the next.
How else can I write it? Taxes are increasing. Whether it is because of the state increasing the assessed value or the tax rate it doesn’t matter at all.
So if you make less money the govt. lowered your income tax?
Yes, if your income falls, your tax burden also falls. Thank you for giving me an example.
If your property loses value, your property taxes should fall as well.
Take a leaf out of Ray Bradbury fighting in Ventura County
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/20/us/20ventura.html?em
“I believe in libraries”
Fact is your assessed values are often less then market value.
Cdev,
On what facts are you basing your assessed values as less than market value? The assessment office here in Harford county, shared the info that the property assessment is based on three facts,
1. The replacement costs of the structure and the land on which it sits.
2. The comparable houses and the sales/costs of property that contains the same amenities of the assessed property. The assessment office provides a list of ten properties they use as comparables if asked.
3. The real estate market values of the property as listed in the deeds office – I think the name is different, but the info comes from the sales and deed transfer office.
FYI, a three bedroom rancher in Hdg may be compared to same house in Fallston, Joppa, Darlington, Edgewood or Bel Air. The homeowner needs to ascertain if the two houses have the same amenities to ensure the properties are really the same, ie do both have gas heat, central ac, concrete drive or dirt or . tar and chip, new windows/doors, fireplace or patio among all the other “extras”. The assessment for the same house by your implication is both houses increase in value equally, would that that were so.
The current property values in Harford county are down approx. 30% than previous years. The number of foreclosures, has dramatically risen and those figures are not used to determine the assessments. Foreclosure rates are not used in the comparables. Professional appraisals are also not accepted by the state as proof of the value of a house/property.
The statement that assessed values are often less than market value is not correct. Ask anyone that has had property taken by the state by eminent domain.
How this relates to the closing of any library branch is as I see it, that the operating budget that was presented to the council was based on wishful thinking and not facts.
I feel for the laid off employees and their families. The facts are that the tax payers of this county, and state and country have to accept that my house is NOT their piggy bank. I am thankful that those employees that are being laid off have access to social services, un-employment et all, for a time to carry them through this mess, till they find another job.
God bless,
Pat McGrady
Simple my assesment that I get has always been less then what is being asked and gotten for similar houses in a 10 mile radius. I bought my house for 208 K and it was assesed that same year at 170K by the county. Every year my house is reassessed it is always lower then house prices. This is not just a recent phenomena. It has always been this way with every house I have owned. My parents are always similar. You also hear about that in Eminent Domain stories since people complain there house was worth more.
Cdev, Pat is right in many respects. The assessed value of any given home has absolutely nothing to do with the actual market value of a property. The assessment is based on simplistic formulas relative to home sales “in the area” of “comparable” properties. The other things which affect a value are not considered. This year I protested my assessment based on the fact that nothing within my neighborhood had sold in the recent years, that none of the properties in the area is anything like mine. That there are three derelict properties within sight of my property that would certainly cause any reasonable person to rethink the where of location. That the City government in the area has been non-progressive and that the property taxes will be going up as will the water and sewer rates. The State assesment person said none of these factors were meaningful! The only thing that matters is the most recent (4 years) sale of a rancher somewhere in Aberdeen.
My assessment is well above the actual value of my home right now. It may be true that this has never happened before but it damn sure is right now!
Keep up the good work Pat.
Hey Dave I intend to file acomplaint for lower property tax. my Rancher has turned in to a snake farm. because of the surrounding’s. I spend 6 Hour’s a day removeing Snake’s.
Some Snake’s take longer to remove because they have and attitude.
Thank you for your article.Thanks Again. Much obliged.