I am writing in response to Mr. Bill Allen’s letter to the Natchitoches Parish Journal published.
First, I want to thank Mr Allen for providing the public with easy access to the Library’s Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance for the year of 2022.
I do support the Parish Library but I also care how our taxes are used.
If you look closely at the statement you do see that the library has $7.8 million in their fund balance. In 2022 they spent $2,327,612 operating the library. The same year, in ad valorem taxes, they brought in $3,053,358.
If the reallocation passes, they would have to operate on $1,526,500 in the tax revenue portion of their income.
We all realize, especially those that balance your checkbook, if you spend $2,327,612 a year and bring in $1,526,500 there is a shortfall of about $800,000.
Normally that leads to a quick disaster except when you have $7,800,000 in reserve.
Nationally and regionally, library usage has declined significantly in the last decade. In Louisiana, the number of visits to a Library have fallen by more than 51%! Louisiana Library Visits in 2011: 16,370,050; Louisiana Library Visits in 2021: 7,657,283
(See Attached)
Now decisions must be made. Can we build library/internet centers in Cloutierville and Robeline? Under a reduced tax collection, the short answer is no. Are they needed? That is a much harder question.
Will other cutbacks need to be made? One thing for sure, you can’t lose $800,000 a year long term even with a $7.8 million fund balance.
The library needs to look at their expenses. Do they need all the employees they have? When the next 3-4 retire or leave, do they need to be replaced? The other extra services they provide, are they essential to the public? Please don’t tell us that immediate cut backs need to be made if the tax fails when you have $7.8 million in the bank.
Lots of tough decisions to be made but the first one will be made by the voters. Just don’t threaten with huge consequences. That’s just not the case here. Tax payers want to know taxes are being spent for the highest benefit to the public.
Lastly, to the Parish Government, give us a plan for what you can do for our roads for another $1.5 million per year.
The best voting decisions will be made when all the information is presented.
Trista Ward
Natchitoches Parish
