Perhaps you’ve heard of an item on our November 2017 ballot regarding the Troy City Charter. The measure asks residents to alter the Charter to require a vote of the electorate anytime a city parcel of two acres or more is to be used, leased, or sold. This was purportedly initiated as a way to protest the development of the Civic Center campus.
However, an approval of this measure would have far-reaching consequences that would affect multiple organizations and services within the City of Troy. The Friends of the Troy Public Library are among them. As you know, the Friends use portions of the Troy Public Library for our Book Shop and our lobby Friends Shop. Because the Library sits on a City parcel of more than two acres, and we are housed within, we fall under the rule of the ballot language.
Thus, if this measure passes, we would need to gain approval from residents of the city on a general election ballot to continue running our operations. Should our agreement expire before an election is scheduled, we would be required to immediately cease operations and wait until after approval on a ballot to continue.
There are over 200 similar contracts and agreements in the City that would be under the same requirements, and each face similar damaging consequences. In our case, passage of this measure would have a devastating effect on our ability to raise funds to support the programs of the Library. We would also likely lose many of our dedicated volunteers. Effectively, our work would come to a standstill.
To provide you knowledge with which to make a decision at the ballot box, we are holding an informational session on Sunday, October 15, 2017, from 2-4PM, in the Meeting Room of TPL. Doug Tietz, Oakland County Commissioner and former Troy City Councilman, will join us to offer insight and to answer your questions. Mr. Tietz was instrumental in creating the TPL Endowment Fund and is spearheading the “Vote NO” campaign.
We have worked tirelessly to preserve our beloved Library and to maintain the legacy of the Friends. Please consider attending and supporting the continued security of these precious institutions.
