Can local elected and appointed officials be counted on to support or remain neutral regarding the effort?
Well before embarking on the process to create a public library district or to place a funding proposition on the ballot, the library board should meet with municipal and/or school district officials representing affected areas to inform them on the library’s plans and to request support for the effort. Though it may be possible to move forward without support from local officials, the process may be more difficult especially if there is likely to be formal opposition from public officials. If that is the case, the library board must develop a plan to counter the opposition. If the library is currently receiving an appropriation from a municipality or school district, it is important to maintain good relations in the event that the library must depend on the municipality or school district to continue financial support until the library is able to collect taxes resulting from the public budget vote or in the event that the library budget proposition is defeated.
