Photo by Mark Larson (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marklarson/)
After the third meeting in less than a week yesterday between towns and library officials, a deal seems to be in the works to keep the Mint Hill library open. Library officials drafted a memorandum of understanding that calls for each town to give either cash or in-kind donations that will amount to more than $700,000 between the towns.
Mint Hill Town Manager Brian Welch attended the meeting yesterday as Mint Hill’s representative. He said the agreement between the towns and the library is not finalized because each town’s board will have to officially vote on the the plan. The Mint Hill Board of Commissioners have already voted to give the library a one time payment of $175,000 as long as it is equitable with what other towns are giving. Matthews has offered to allow the library to bypass lease payments on its building, which could amount to $200,000 in the next fiscal year. Davidson will likely offer some cash as well as in-kind donations. Cornelius will give $175,000, and Huntersville is expected give a token gift to the library.
Both Mint Hill and Cornelius may ask for something in return for the $175,000. This could mean that the library and towns work something out with the respective leases on the library buildings within the towns.
The Mint Hill Board of Commissioners will likely make a final vote on helping the library at its next meeting on Thursday.
Here’s a breakdown of what each library may give:
- Cornelius: $175,000 contribution
- Davidson: forgiveness of lease payment in the amount of approximately $37,000; and solicitation of additional donations to total $175,000
- Huntersville: in-kind contribution, yet to be determined
- Matthews: restructuring of lease to defer current payment to 2018 of $205,000
- Mint Hill: $175,000 contribution
