The Carthage Library Board met with representatives of the City and the Board’s consulting attorney Monday evening to discuss methods of financing the proposed $4.27 million expansion of the existing library facility. City Budget Committee Chair Jackie Boyer and City Administrator Tom Short were in attendance as well as City Council Liaison Don Stearnes.

The Board heard a basic outline of the procedures for various Bond issue financing from Consultant Kent Brown of Jefferson City. Brown told the Board that although the Library Board is a political division of the State, like a City, the Board cannot impose a sales tax levy. The City can impose a sales tax levy to pay for the library expansion, with the approval of voters, and then transfer the ownership of the structure to the Library Board.

The Board is exploring the idea of raising approximately half of the $4.27 million from donations and then asking the voters to approve a one-eighth cent sales tax to finance the remainder. The plans call for the construction of a 13,480 square foot addition to the existing 8,620 square foot library.

Get ready for the year of discussions involvin’ tax increases. So far there has been a look at the school increasin’ assessment by ten or fifteen cents. The Library Board is considerin’ an eighth cent sales tax. The City has been lookin’ at a sales tax to improve the Parks System and another for storm water control. The County has been lookin’ at a law enforcement tax for some time.

I’m guessin’ that a good argument can be made for all of these projects. I’m also guessin’ that the odds that all will pass in the same year are slim to none.

The danger is that folks will be hit with so many different proposals, they may turn a deaf ear to all of ‘em.

Talkin’ tax increase is always a tough sell. It will be interestin’ to see which pitch can cut through and get the votes.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

By Amy Anderson

Virginia Is for Chocolate Lovers

According to Candy USA, more than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold this year for Valentine’s Day. But if you can’t wait that long, check out the 11th Annual Chocolate Lovers Festival in Fairfax, Va., on Feb. 1-2.

The key events at this two-day celebration are the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, the Chocolate Challenge and the Taste of Chocolate, although there are other things to do.

The Kiwanis Club will be hosting a chocolate-chip pancake breakfast on Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fire Station 3 to kick off the festival.

The Chocolate Challenge pits artist against chocolate, with the results being — hopefully — both delectable and divine. It’s held at the Old Courthouse Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Later that day, hit the Taste of Chocolate, where you can find the latest trends in chocolate and maybe purchase some goodies for later. Vendors will have plenty to tempt you at the Old Town Hall. You can attend this event on both Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m.

If you crave more, you might also enjoy the Arts and Crafts show to be held at Fire Station 3, the Chocolate Caper at the Fairfax Court House, the Silly Socks Puppet Theater at the library, or the exhibits at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor’s Center. Also, don’t miss High Tea at the Bailiwick Inn, but make reservations, as seating is limited.

This festival regularly receives more than 7,500 guests over the two days, and events are held all over downtown Fairfax. Most historic buildings downtown have open houses, and there are historic re-enactments in the surrounding area. Free parking is available in designated lots, and although there will be a small fee for some events, many are free. For further information and directions, call the festival information line at (703) 293-7120 or log on to www.chocolatefestival.net.