Take library funds before raising taxes
With Warren County in yet another financial crisis, and with talk of yet another property tax hike, department budget cuts etc., I question why the county is once again poised to give Magness Library (a private corporation) public money.
The Tennessee Constitution, Article 2, Section 29, states; “But the credit of no county, city or town shall be given or loaned to or in aid of, any person, company, association or corporation except upon an election to be first held by the qualified voters of such county, city or town, and the assent of three-fourths of the votes cast at said election.”
To my knowledge this election was never held, and if true any agreement signed by Mr. Magness and the Warren County Court or city would be invalid.
No contract for services exists between Magness Library and Warren County. The only contract is one between the state of Tennessee and the county and city, for services rendered by the regional library.
Giving money in this matter, without a contract or specifications as to how this money should be spent, is no different than giving money to any other private corporation, e.g. APAC, Hillis Trucking, BFI, to name just a few.
Some elected officials have determined that this payment is a “gift,” to a charitable organization. The Warren County Commission is responsible for providing library services either with a county-owned library or by contracting with an existing free public library. Magness Library is performing a specific service that is the responsibility of the County Commission. Therefore, Magness Library is not a charity.
The Warren County Commission gives public monies to the library but has no control over the library’s assets or operation. Under these conditions I would ask each county commissioner to investigate the legality of this “gift” before raising taxes and giving away taxpayers money.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Curtis
2374 Airport Lake Rd.
McMinnville