Take ICL to the Bank

FAQs – 11.08.22

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the proposal?
0.98 Mills for 18 years

What is different about this proposal?

The term was reduced by 2 years.

How are you able to reduce the term for a second time and still afford the
project?
The project will be “bare bones,” there will be no money raised from the building
millage for utilities, long-term maintenance or staffing.

What happens to the bank building if the millage does not pass?
The Library Board will determine that after the election.

Why does the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) have to be included in

the proposal?
Michigan Election Law mandates that any "capturing authorities" be listed in the
millage language. Period. ICL would be in violation of election law and could
forfeit a ballot win if the BRA language was not included.
Take ICL to the Bank
FAQs – 11.08.22

Why doesn’t the library do fundraisers or apply for grants to help with the cost of
a new library?
ICL accepts donations anytime and has several fundraisers throughout the year
held by ICL or the Friends of the Library. Grants are continuously being pursued
by the Grant Committee.
Past Fundraisers: Lamplight Grill, Pizza Hut, Mooville, Murder Mystery Dinner, Book
Sales, Steve Howard Memorial Run, Painting Parties, Bingo at the Fair and Sale at
the Bank
Future Fundraisers: Staff Themed Decoration Sale on Facebook, Euchre
Tournament, 7 PM at Steele Street Hall on September 23, the Friends of the
Library Murder Mystery Dinner, Steele Street Hall on October 29 and Sale at the
Bank (by appointment)

Do people really use or need a library anymore?

Yes, if ICL was in a larger facility, it would become a community center with
expanded services and more people would be able to use the library.

Month Visitors Daily Average

June 6,445 248
July 5,250 219

Month Material Circulation Total Daily Average

June 7,296 281
July 8,049 335

More statistics for past years can be found on the Library of Michigan website
https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/admin/statistics

Is ICL part of the City of Ionia?

No. In July 2004, the library became a District Library. The participating
members of the District are the City of Ionia, Ionia Public Schools and Easton
Township. A District Map can be found at citizens4icl.org. Each member
appoints two representatives, for a total of six, to serve on the Board for four-
year terms.
Take ICL to the Bank
FAQs – 11.08.22

Who owns the Hall-Fowler Home?

The City of Ionia owns the Home and they lease it to ICL for $1 a year, but ICL is
responsible for paying all the expenses for any maintenance and major repairs
to the Home. The ICL is using taxpayer dollars to cover those expenses, but has
no equity in the building and cannot make any changes to the Home without
the approval of the City.

What will happen to the Hall-Fowler Home if the millage passes?

A new non-profit organization (NNPO) will be formed to operate and maintain
the Hall Fowler Home (Home) as a museum celebrating Ionia’s history. If
approved by the City Council, the City of Ionia will lease the Home to the
NNPO. After the millage is passed, the NNPO will have approximately two years
before the Ionia Community Library vacates the Home (after construction is
complete at the Ionia County National building) to raise money and apply for
grants to fund the museum.

Who controls the money?

The Board is responsible for the governance of the library. Annually, the library is
audited by an external firm to provide a check and balance. Several reports
are filed annually with the State of Michigan.

Who has access to the money?

Since ICL stands on its own as a District Library, no one but the library can access
its funds.