Commission still split over library size

LARGO -- A simple matter of size forced a split vote, sparked a few digs and left some questions dangling as Largo city commissioners continued their shaky course toward a new library.

With a 4-3 vote, the commissioners on Tuesday set the size of the new city library at 80,000 square feet. All seemingly agreed that the final size could be larger, and that Tuesday's decision was mainly for the purpose of meeting an upcoming deadline for a state grant.

But the size is smaller than what a consultant recommended the city build to meet projected growth by 2009, and that raised a few tempers in the room.

Debate ultimately dissolved into acrimonious barbs that ended with a showdown between Mayor Bob Jackson and Commissioner Marty Shelby.

"I feel like I am dealing with Dr. Jackson and Mr. Hyde," said Shelby, who pushed for the smaller library. Commissioners Pat Burke, Pat Gerard and Harriet Crozier agreed.

Jackson, Jean Halvorsen and Charlie Harper opposed the measure. Halvorsen described the commission's behavior as "wishy-washy, back and forth," and the mayor has been critical of the commission's constant hedging over the size.

Shelby wants to know why the cost of the library has increased from its original projection of about $17-million to nearly $23-million. Until he knows how the city will pay for the added costs, he prefers to hold off on backing a larger library.

But Shelby insisted through a motion on the floor that all financing questions be deferred until next week, when commissioners will be briefed by the staff on the city's capital improvement projects budget.

That stopped questions from Harper, who was attending his first meeting as a commissioner, and the motion by Gerard requesting approval for the larger library.

"We are nine days away from talking about it," said Shelby of the financing. "If you want to ramrod something down my throat, then you don't have my support."

Jackson said being indecisive about the library sends a message to Tallahassee, where Largo will be competing with other municipalities for a $500,000 grant that may influence future grants.

The city's commitment to a larger library could be a factor, he said. Pointing toward the city's lack of debt and sound financial shape, he favors sticking to the original plan for 93,000 square feet.

"(Shelby) would like to build a library and have it not cost anything," Jackson said in an interview. "It doesn't work this way."

Largo residents can voice their opinions 6:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall, during the final open house on the library.

-- Michael Sandler can be reached at 445-4174 or sandler@sptimes.com.

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