Marion County Back in Library Bill

(posted Feb 19)

Senator Beverly Gard pledged to continue to amend the library service planning bill from amendments added by the Senate Appropriations Committee at its Feb 19 meeting. The amendment excluding Marion County that was added last week was withdrawn by new amendments added today. Marion County was added back in after last week's amendment allowed local library boards to opt out of the plan by referendum.

Senator Luke Kenley said "We do have an amended bill that nobody knows what's in it now."

The committee took no public comment before taking its 7-2 vote. Last week, the committee listened and discussed the issue that raised protest from residents of Speedway and Gary.

The provision allows no more than two plans to be created within seven years, but if there is no approval for the plan, the local committee can create another plan after that seven years.

The committee discussed some aspects to fund the library service plan through the county economic development income tax. The amendment could affect library constituents in Hancock County. Gard was not pleased about the stipulations to use CEDIT and plans to change them during second reading.