Local residents may receive a survey in the next few weeks asking why they opposed a new library.

The library board is finalizing the community survey now with a market research company.

“We are hoping to target and get responses from those who voted no to try and find out why so we can move forward in that manner,” President Kenny Massey said during Tuesday’s library board meeting. “So we are hopeful we get a decent return.” 

Massey said the board needs to figure how many surveys will be sent by market research firm ETC Institute, but he hopes the board will have the results by August. 

Almost 55% of those who cast a vote in the special election in spring 2022 voted no on a new $4.6 million library, which would have been constructed across the street from the current library. 

In other business, the board started making plans for the library’s 2024 budget and estimated the operating budget would be around $410,000. The board agreed to keep the library’s mill levy rate the same for next year’s budget cycle. 

The deadline to finalize and submit the budget to Douglas County is Aug. 22. 

Vice president Eric Magette said the library is turning in good numbers. 

“I think the library is in good shape financially,” he said. “That’s not an issue at all.”

Library director Carol Wohlford said the library has begun looking for a new part-time staff member. The library will interview applicants on July 6-7. 

The library board’s next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. July 18. 

Reach reporter Jack Denebeim at [email protected]