Lafayette Library System Director Teresa Elberson says it’s no secret the library has a fund balance.  

At last audit a year ago, the library had about $39 million in that account.

Elberson says that money has a purpose.

Eleberson explains the funds allow the library to have a vision, pay for current and future projects, and deal with emergencies without having to raise money. 

“That fund balance we have right now is already earmarked for capital projects that have been planned since June 2012; like the West Library,” adds Elberson.

The funding to operate the system’s nine libraries comes from three separate mileages.

Elberson says the combined mileages pay for 98% of operating expenses.

“We have 450 computers for the public to use scattered among nine libraries.  When those computers go bad, age, or not quite as fast; then every single one of those has to be replaced,” notes Elberson.

Library Administrator Terry Roy says several local libraries have been expanded to meet with population growth.

“The next library we’re going to look to expand is our North Regional Library in Carencro because that facility is also 10 years old,” says Roy.

The tax up for renewal Saturday was created back in 1979 when the library was cutting jobs and struggling to even buy books.  

The tax renewal helped the library system out of that.

“That’s why we have three mileages.  “We shouldn’t ever have to go out for a new tax because the three mileages will just allow us to operate and go forward so that we’re not looking for extra money.  We have what we need and will be able to go forward and maintain the services we have now,” notes Roy.

Lafayette Citizens Against Taxes, Representative Michael Lunsford sent a statement.

“As of October 31, 2016, the library has accumulated a $40 million account balance and now they’re asking the voters for another 37 million. We believe their 2017 financials will show the balance has grown to about $44 million, but they won’t release those financials until the day after the election.”