Sussex-Lisbon Library Agreement Still Appears to be More "If" Than "When"

Pauline Haass Public Library

Lisbon supervisors slated to review library plan. (Sussex Sun, 8/13/2013)

Excerpt: For the past three years, Gehrke has insisted that Sussex's share of the contribution to the library must increase under any new funding formula because Sussex residents use the library more than town residents. The two communities contribute a combined approximately $900,000 of the library's $1.2 million budget. The size of a communities contribution is based on the size of its real estate tax base, according to the existing formula. 

Library officials have said a new funding agreement after 2014 is necessary to facilitate long range operational and capital planning for the library. The existing agreement expires in 2014 and reverts to a year-to-year contract between the communities. 

However, town sources have indicated that if a new funding agreement is reached between Lisbon and Sussex, the Library Board will have to agree to drop a lawsuit against the Town seeking control of land Pauline Haass donated to the town for library purposes.

Related articles: 
Still following the Sussex-Lisbon library talks -- since 2010.  (8/6/2013) 
Following a brouhaha over a "most objectionable 3-page letter," library talks to resume between Sussex and Lisbon.  (5/27/2013)
A most objectionable 3-page letter.  (5/10/2013)
Dear Greg; Love, Lisbon Town Board.  (4/27/2013)
Perhaps Pauline Haass is spinning in her grave.  (3/18/2013)
What a long strange trip it's been.  (2/13/2012)
Dueling news releases.  (10/7/2012)
Town of Lisbon wants deep discount in payment for library services.  (9/30/2012)
As the world of joint library agreements turns.  (8/22/2012)
The beat goes on.  (7/2/2012)
Joint library negotiations continue.  (5/13/2012)
Jane Stadler on Paying Taxes: "...it is something that you do because you're part of the community.  (11/26/2011)
Lisbon town chair not likely to get his way on Pauline Haass Library funding. (11/22/2011)
Lisbon Town chair advocates paying for library services on the cheap.  (11/22/2011)
The challenges of shared governance and funding.  (9/28/2011)
Consensus building for new joint library agreement.  (7/22/2011)
Sussex, Lisbon:  Local politics and library negotiations.  (5/28/2011)
Negotiation to continue after information-gathering process.  (10/8/2010)
And the beat goes on.  (10/4/2010)
Differences of opinion of library funding continue.  (9/18/2010)
Leaders of Village of Sussex, Town of Lisbon clash over funding for library. (8/26/2010)
Will annexation resolution interfere with negotiations over joint library agreement?  (8/4/2010)
Proposal to change library funding formula gets cool reception.  (6/7/2010)
Town of Lisbon Chairman proposes new funding formula for library.  (5/31/2010)