Wayne County Council members heard how important Morrisson-Reeves Library is to its community, but that hasn’t yet convinced them to approve an $18 million, property tax-based bond that would help fund a library construction project.
More than 200 people overflowed the Wayne County Administration Building chambers, spilling into the hallway outside the door, during the Aug. 20 council and commissioners workshop. Many wore “We love our library” buttons and cheered each of 17 residents speaking in support of the library and its bond request. Library representatives said the project is urgently needed to protect the safety of patrons and staff.
Council, however, questioned the scope and $23,815,000 expense of the project. After the public hearing, they tabled the issue without a vote, preferring to discuss alternatives, such as a new location, with library leaders and project consultants.
The bond would result in a $0.1024 tax rate to generate $1,724,000 annually to service the debt. For property owners in Richmond, Spring Grove and Wayne Township not reaching the 1% property tax cap, that would have a $33.18 impact on homes with a $100,000 assessed value, a $88.47 impact for $200,000 and a $143.77 impact for $300,000. The tax impact on each 100 acres of agricultural land would be $201.85, and the impact would be $102.40 for $100,000 commercial assessed values.
Because of the state-mandated property tax cap, the library’s tax would reduce property tax revenues for Wayne County, Wayne Township, Richmond, Spring Grove, Richmond Community Schools, Richmond Sanitary District and even MRL’s budget. Richmond Mayor Ron Oler, who advocated MRL seek other options, said the city stands to lose $600,000 annually if the bond is approved, without elaborating on how that amount was calculated.
“The library is a social space, a third space, a community center…a functioning library is the most important thing we could have as a democratic society,” said Richmond resident Benjamin Guard, speaking in favor of the bond request. “A library is there to protect knowledge and distribute it to the populace.”
Tabitha Glum spoke about how her two high school students have enjoyed participating in clubs and programs held at the library. She sees the library as a safe space and one of the few where she’s comfortable knowing her kids are going on their own in Richmond. “Taking away that freedom from our community would be devastating,” she said.
Jennifer Lewis, president of MRL’s board of trustees, told council the board understands the weight and implications of council’s decision; however, after considering all alternatives and gathering public input, the board chose the best and most fiscally sound path forward for the library, she said. The only alternative is to close the building and move to another location, which would be a “devastating loss to our community,” Lewis said.
The project’s genesis began during early 2023, according to Dena Little, the library director, who began her job during December 2022. Debris fell from the building’s exterior, the roof leaked and other systems malfunctioned. The board hired LWC Inc. to examine the building thoroughly. That examination uncovered serious structural issues with brick, steel and concrete, and the 1970s building lacks fire-safety features and does not comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
When the scope of necessary repairs became evident, the library sought guidance about how it could better serve its patrons and its staff. More than 36,000 residents engaged in those efforts, providing feedback through surveys, meetings and community forums that helped developed preliminary drawings for a repaired and renovated library.
The tentative project time line has the design phase ending with bids in fall of 2026, construction beginning in 2027 and the new library reopening during summer 2028. The library would vacate the building for another location during construction.
Council President Max Smith said council would keep the process moving forward while beginning its desired discussions.
The council meeting was broadcast and recorded by WCTV:
A version of this article will appear in the August 27 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.