Information on February 23 Special Election
On Tuesday, February 23, Troy residents will be asked to vote on whether or not the City Council can levy an additional millage of up to 1.9 mills against all taxable property in the City for a five-year period, 2010 through 2014. The millage would be used for general operating purposes, including public safety and quality of life purposes.
The City has an informational brochure about the election that will be mailed to all registered voters in Troy. Click to read the brochure. Addtional frequently asked questions are available by clicking here.
To Phillip Kwik who deals with these posts. Please delete all of my messages that I have posted on this website, esepcially on this issue of the millage. I don't wish to post any more comments here anymore. You can email me if you have questions.
Thank you very much !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Troy Public Library is a public organization, a department of the City of Troy. Once a comment is posted on the Library's website, it becomes part of the public record. It can not be removed from the public record, any more than written comments submitted to the Troy City Council can be removed.
To all those who voted no in this millage election for the tax increase have made a wise and very sound decision. I have been a resident of Troy for a while now since a few years ago and have seen some the more troubling sides of Troy, in particular, the type of unnecessary spending Troy tends to partake.
I feel the city of troy is blind and does not know why their budget is so low when all they have to do is look at the staff and their stupid road projects. Ill give you an example. In the Library, there are a lot of librarians (not book shelvers) that get paid a salary with benefits. All they do is sit at the adult references desk cube and browse the internet. Most of the time, when customers ask them where a book is or for more information, these librarians have no idea where to look. I think they should be more skilled given that the city only hires librarians with a certificate. Honestly, anyone who has a high school diploma with a little training can probably do all their jobs. I know a friends mother who works there and simply stuggles at her job especially at doing siimple tasks like finding a book. In many of the cases, I personally had to use ibistro to get my book. The city pays them a salary with benefits for nothing......Troy, you're wasting money.
And what was that.....4.2 million to expand the library? Are you kidding me? The libarary is too big as it is. Set up a small library like the mini libarary Troy had near Wattles a few years ago. I am so happy to see the troy library go and would like to see the useless librarians all get laid off.
What about those stupid road projects. Has anyone driven across some of the roads and asked yourself, gee, why is Troy tearing apart such a nice looking road. I mean look at Rochester, for example. Rochester is fine near the highway exits and entrances especialy around Big beaver....and yet it seems like they are tearing apart the roads and rebuilding them just to fill time......Troy, you're wasting money.
Honestly, someone in a previous note stated that taking away the Troy community center will increase crime on the streets. to tell you the truth, there are many other great sports exercise establishments all over Troy and many of the teenagers and young adults simply go to Somerset which is probably the only trendy hot spot in Troy instead of going to exercise. Get rid of the community center. I don't care. Does anyone see a large group of kids, teenagers, and families playing in the rec room there....mmmm....no. The room is way too tacky, the staff over hires lifeguards, etc. Troy, you're wasting money.
Does anyone see the skateboard park next to the Troy community center? I do not know whose stupid idea it was to build that thing but Troy made a huge mistake in building it. This is Michigan. It's cold and icy 75 percent of the year. even in the summer, I see 3 maybe 4 people just loitering around the park. Useless junk and really in an awkward location. Troy, you're wasting money.
Stop spending on golf courses and start looking to expand your police force, fire, and first aid departments. Like detroit, Troy is somewhat corrupt and naive in their spending habits. I don't care if the Museum is being torn down. I have never talked to anyone who was so excited to go see the Museum. If you want to preserve history, put little artifacts in a mini library but don't wasite money on staff to maintain a museum, don;t waste proeprty to fill all those buildings, etc. People in Troy do not go to the Troy Museum. The only time anyone really ever goes there is when they are 5 years old and in elementary school taking a school field trip. That's the only time people actually go. BTW, teenagers don't hang there and young adults would rather go to a Clutch Cargoes than spend time reminiscing in the oak smell of the old Troy Museum.
Troy, you've got a lot of work to do. cut your spending on stupid projects and lay off useless librarains and staff. you don't have to give them a salary and benefits if they don't do jack for Troy residents. Stop tearing up roads that look perfectly fine and start building on your police units. I challenge the city of troy to stop building projects like the skateboard park and don't even think about remodeling the yards near city hall. it looks perfectly fine......btw, get rid of your hideous skull mirror monemuemnt on the corner near the library grass. Who cares if it was a donation. Theres a difference between erecting donations and beautification.
I was appalled at the misinformation that was distributed just before the election by the "NO" voters. Most of what was written had a grain of truth as far as the information went. However, longevity ended for new employees in 1996, no defined pension plans after 1998 for new employees, and the top of the line insurance has slowly been fazed down as new employees join the ranks.
The library serves many needs. The gentleman stating that the librarians have big benefits needs to do his homework. There are only 10 full time librarians on staff that get benefits. The rest of the staff are part-time with no benefits (the exception being 3 administrative staff). If the library closes, is open less than 55 hours, the library will lose accreditation and state aid money. It will also no longer be part of any cooperative. If it closes, Troy residents will have to purchase non-resident cards from other libraries (unfortunately Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Birmingham, and Bloomfield do not sell non-resident cards. Therefore one can go in and read but not check anything out). One does not get a Masters degree in Library and Information Science to make "big bucks". People go into the profession because they like to help people and like research.
It should be mentioned that the Skate Park was begun by a group of young people who really wanted a Skate Park. It was through their determination and team effort that the Skate Park was built. If memory serves me, they also helped raise money for the Park. The sculpture mentioned was a donation from KMART. Again, I think there was private fundraising to put this in place.
Our Youth are very bright and active. They spend much time at the library and at the community center. Without these type of activities open to them, boredom could lead to not positive activities that could effect their futures.
I too have questions on the golf courses, unbuilt park areas, thousand of dollars spent on flowers (they should have been perennials), Troy farm, and the frivolous lawsuits against Tellys, Peacocks, and Hooters. Our counsel needs to prioritize and not bring the blame for poor judgement on the staff of the city who are working hard to keep things afloat for our residents. Many of the staff live in the city also and have unemployed spouses due to the automotive industry. The staff does "get it" because they are part of these tough economic times too.
"Troyresident" sounds as if he is unhappy with the world in general and Troy specifically. There was not one positive thing said which makes one wonder what embittered him so. If he is so unhappy with Troy perhaps he should move somewhere that would make him happier or take an active, positive role in helping the city.
perhaps, susie, before you start making assumptions about me, let me just say that the library does not need 10 full time librarians. Most of the time, they are sitting on their butts doing nothing but surfing the net. And who cares if there is one person who works there and doesn't have a certificate. If you look at the app to be a librarian there on the reference desk, you need a librarian certificate or something along those lines. My point being, we don't need them. If the librarians love to do research, they can do that on their own time but don't use up city money for that. They rarely helped me and they have not helped many other people, esepcially the high school students.
As for the skate park situation, I was on the Troy Youth Council back in the day and we specifically discussed this. We never even had the opportunity to vote on it or do anything about it. The city was pretty much set on building it when I first began my involvement in the troy youth council. In any case, it was a waste of money.
And susie, if i was disappointed with Troy, I would have moved out 20 years ago but I did not because the school system here was great, not because of the librarians or the fancy light fixtures I see on Big Beaver. I still am happy living here and don't expect to ever move. I only became a little frustrated when the city wanted to really punish its residents by raising taxes which directly affects the residents' income. If the city really wants change, they should revamp their entire staff especially the ones at the library and stop over paying them, start looking at cancelling useless pet projects, and instead distribute that money to needy families and local charities. The reference librarians do NOT need to be payed a salary or above a wage pay grade. Anyone with decent training coming right out of high school can do their job and maybe even better.
True, the library does need to be certified, etc. but it does not need to be that large. Troy should build a library that's small and has all the essentials without overstaffing or overpaying. btw, that degree you mentioned or some certificate IS required to become a reference librarian according to the job profile last I checked. You guys don't need 10 especially when 90 percent of the time, I don't see anyone using these reference librarians when I am at the library. I know i am picking on the library but this is really one of many factors Troy needs to CHANGE DRASTICALLY. The city can start by focusing on the bear essentials first and using the extras for things like decorations. I am talking about the police, the fire deparment, and the health department personell, etc.
Just a quick note to troyresident - and to others who wonder what the librarians are doing on the computers.
Since the technology age, most library sources are on the Internet in the form of databases, websites, etc. These sources are updated more quickly than published books and give up to date information. They take reference by phone, person, email, and on the web. I realize that perception becomes truth. However, for a true picture politely asking what can be found on the net and what the librarian is working on might be a real eye opener. Even though there may be no one at the desk and the librarian is on the Internet, they are still working with patrons. Chances are they are answering reference questions from outside the walls of the library, ordering books, updating the webpage, planning programs, etc.
The State of Michigan sets the rules for how many full time people a library must have as well as how many hours they need to be open. As the 2nd best in the state for our size, perhaps other libraries should be visited to see what is happening there. Once closed, a patron will need to make a decision as to what library to use and how much one can afford extra for the usage. Without a home library, you can't checkout any thing. Some libraries don't have non-residents cards so they aren't even available to you.
The certificate you refer to is a Masters degree in Information Science. Much training goes into the degree. For volunteers to help is wonderful. Like our firefighters, the volunteers would have to do extensive training to do the full job of a librarian. The personnel at the library are very committed. It's not all about money. It's about helping people.
I also stayed in Troy for the school system and my daughters graduated from the system and went on and received their Masters degree in psychology and nutrition. They are proud of their community and what it has to offer. They wonder what will happen to our insurance premiums, house value, etc when Troy becomes non-resident friendly.
Many high school students use the library - you can find them in all public areas of the library. When help is asked for, it is there for them. I have heard how some patrons ask for help and appreciation not shown for the assistance. Most patrons seem really nice, not rude, and appreciative of all help rendered.
Troyresident hopefully you will be proud of your community in the next couple of years. After all, the new community is one that you helped create.
I agree with troy resident.
this really seems like political garble. bottom line, all the tasks that the librarians do there can be done by someone right out of high school. What they clearly do is not really equivalanet to the pay they should be getting and the benefits they recieve. high school students do use the library but only if they have a huge group project or if they absolutely need to check out a book because their school asked them to. most of the studying done by high school students is done at home with the internet and school notes. I agree the troy library is great but it doesn't need to be that big. what the city did was obviously use scare tactics. Tell city council to stop tearing apart Rochester which they are doing as we speak. Rediculous.
This sounds like it was written by a high school student or someone who failed to graduate high school. This is the most uninformed, clueless drivel I've seen yet on the Troy budget issue. Please go back into the hole that you climbed out of to post your pathetic drivel.
I like to see what you do for a living. and what I said was coming from my life experience and shear common sense using my eyes. I also was on the youth council here for many years in the past for many years back in the day when I was in high school If you can't see what I am seeing, you've either got to be a troy staff member or someone who is clearly blind.....literally. If you got a grudge, take it up with the more than 50 percent of residents in Troy that voted NO!
in any case, I win. THAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE. Just check out the votes......whatever you say doesn't matter now simply because the votes spoke for themselves. You can talk all you want but in the end, you won't be able to change history....the voting results are what they are and I love America for that! Just admit your failure and move on with your life John instead of making funny comments about my education which you clearly were off base.
Thanks!
I don't know what level of education you have but i am in a pretty good med school in California. (3rd year)* you should stop making assumptions like that John and instead give some constructive criticism like Susie did in most of her post. You should really find some more words instead of "pathetic drivel" to make your point. :) I really did not want to sound like a high school student. If I wanted to I could have written it in asuccinct memo style. I just wanted to get my points across in an informal format. Many residents in Troy agree with me on many of the points I am making but many don't speek up about it except for the Tea Party here which is why I wanted to voice my opinion
really, if you're so pissed, why don't you get a whack at your own little "drivel". But really, john, you shouldn't because I don't really really really don't care. just calm down and try to graduate high school yourself. ok?
I am quite concerned about the millage election and the effect on the community if it does not pass.
There has been much said by both sides about what will happen, what won't happen, and how no one likes a tax increase. I have lived in Troy since 1960 and have seen many changes in our city and I am sure there will be many more.
Did you know that our Museum used to be the City Hall building? Did you know that the library began in a basement of a local building and was later a storefront? Our post office used to be the small gray brick building north of Wattles on the east side of Livernois? Troy grew in leaps and bounds. Costs went up as the population grew with gravel roads replaced, sidewalks built, Detroit city water introduced, and sewers implemented. Troy was quickly becoming the city of tomorrow, today! Most taxpayers were happy with the changes but balked at the cost.
Troy faced difficult decisions then as it does now. Privatation of the golf courses, farm, and aquatic center are great places to start. Many students use the Library and Community Center for studying, socializing, and working out. Without these assets, our youth would become bored and the crime rate would probably increase. Scholarships would be on the line due to lack of a library facility to enrich the learning of our children. Without professional staff, the library would not be state accredited and, therefore, not eligible for state benefits. Currently, your library is rated #2 in Michigan and #4 nationally for a library of its size. This award winning facility needs to stay open for the good of the community – business, adults, and youth.
Due to the dedicated Friends of the Troy Public Library, programs and classes are free to our residents. These include several story times, crafts, science programs, technology, chess, gaming, adult computer classes as well as Internet classes, concerts, magic and puppet shows, travel programs, senior humanity programs, several book clubs and more. Job searching, resume writing, investment guidance, as well as free computer use and supportive computer help for residents is greatly appreciated. Again, all of this and more are free due to the generosity, hard work, and kindness of the Friends.
If our assets are closed, we will see our city become less desirable for people looking for a safe, family centered place to call home. We will see our home values go down even more and see more short sales and foreclosures. To protect our own homes and life values, a YES vote is needed on Tuesday, February 23rd.
City officials would do well not to threaten to close the Troy Public Library. This may scare some people, but it makes most of us angry at such shameless manipulation. Let me put everyone on notice, that if the Troy Public Library is closed, every city official responsible will be recalled. I will sign people up for the petitions myself. They ought to be recalled merely for making such a threat!
The "informational brochure" is false. Closing the library is a proposed way to deal with the decrease in tax revenue. The politicians are threatening to get rid of city services that are important to the citizens so they will be more likely to vote in favor of the tax hike. A "no vote" does not mean that the library will be closed. It's one proposal and is a threat so the citizens approve the tax hike.
The City could easily get of less meaningful city services, by firing the excess traffic cops, by reducing funding to the Troy Museum, or by limiting waste in general. The City just installed white lines in front of every stop sign in my subdivision. What a waste of money. We all know that we're supposed to stop in front of the stop sign. We don't need to pay to install rubberized white lines!
Eric, you give us more information than that information brochere.
Troy homeowners have lost a fortune because of falling home values, the last thing Troy homeowners need is a tax increase.
Besides, home values are not coming back in 5 years, which means there will be another tax increase in 5 years if spending is not cut. This is not the last tax increase, it is just the first of many increases that they will want - it never ends.
Cutting spending is the only long term sustaining solution.
As you point out, there are lots of ways to cut spending.
As far as the library, we could save a whole bunch just by reducing library hours and closing on Tuesdays.
Even if we had to lay off a few policemen, I dont think it would cause Troy residents to go on a crime spree.
“Budget deficit” means the Troy government has spent too much and is employing too many people.
Solution: lay off government employees and slash spending.
Of course there is waste in every city and county budget. However, you obviously have not done your homework. A "NO" vote means the city will close the library. They will close the museum. They will close all quality of life services. They will downsize police and fire departments. You may think cutting back on a few police officers is ok now, but wait until they are at 50% task force. See the crime rate then. With no library to educate our community you can watch our neighborhoods turn to crime. I don't want to be a part of that community. It's not a scare tactic. It is reality. Also, look at the language of the ballot. A yes vote means full service of police and fire departments. It keeps the library open, but it does not say full services. A plan to cut part of the library (hopefully a couple hours a week only) seems likely. You need to read between the lines and not jump to conclusions about the city raising taxes again in 5 years. The city couldn't have asked for more than 1.9 mils because of the city charter. I don't want my taxes raised either, but given the choices, I don't want to lose what I have here. The services that Troy provide us are amazing, and I wouldn't want to give that up for anything.
there are ways to prevent the downsizing of police, fire, and health department personell which is by cutting spending on unnecessary projects. You keep stressing that crime rates will sky rocket if this proposal does not pass. Honestly, this is Troy. Not Detroit or the inner city Bronx. Troy is so boring really that in many cases, all the Troy police does is hide in their little cars and try to catch poeple who don't stop competely at a residential stop sign. Really? Is that really the best use of police personell and their time? I agree police forces need to be maintained but you don't need to lay them off to cut Troy's spending. Dumb and useless beautification projects, a stupid canopy drop box for the library (who gives a rats behind about freaking canopy), cutting spending, time, and money on the museum which no one really goes to, and shortening spending on the golf courses. the library could use a lot of laying off. Everytime you go in, you can see 2 or 3 old scraggly librarians who, by the way, have certificates do nothing but sit on their behinds and stare at their computer. And when asked to find a book or cross hold between other libraries, they don't know where to go. The city pays them a salary with benefits. In all reality, they should be layed off and Troy should rehire young high school graduates or college gradutes and train them. You only need one person on the floor at the adult references section. get rid of the dumb gift shop in the library and tear down the skateboard park. Cut library hours and forget about the million dollar expansion project.....useless and a huge waste of money. If the City has that much money to spend on useless projects like these, why dont' they just give that to the actual residents.
I know the people who voted yes were people who were either rich, live in apartments, or were somehow associated with the city of Troy in terms of employment or staffing. This kind of a tax hike is very hard on people who live check by check and to say that your a little afraid of crime rates increasing....live on Linwood and McNichols near Detroit for a month, and then come back to Troy.
Is there a way to email a story from the web site? Could that be a future option?
I think it should be looked into.
Thank you for your suggestion. Currently there is no button on our site that says, "email this story," as you see on other sites. We will look into it.
However, if you click on the name of the story, you will be directed to a page that has only that story on it. Copy that page's URL. Then you can email that URL link to whomever you want through your standard email package. That URL link (called a "persistent link") will always be associated with that story.