The West Fargo Library Board will have to wait until later this month to see if a special election can be held for a new $4 million library.
City commissioners tabled the Library Board's request Monday because they'd like to get input from City Auditor Jim Brownlee, who begins work today.
Mayor Rich Mattern said Brownlee should be involved to answer any financial questions. Commissioners will consider the request July 21.
Library Board members are proposing a half-cent sales tax increase to fund the project. They say the existing library is crowded and outdated.
Brownlee said he needs to analyze how a new library would affect West Fargo's budget.
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West Fargo has been without an auditor since early March, when longtime auditor Mike McLeod died.
Cynthia Jacobs, a West Fargo parent, was among several people ready to speak on behalf of building a new library.
Although she agrees that Brownlee needs to be involved in the decision, she said she wishes the Commission would postpone their decision until July 7 instead.
The Library Board would like the special election to be Sept. 30, and supporters will need some time to get the word out, Jacobs said.
Plans for a new library call for a 26,000-square-foot building to be located on 19th Avenue, southwest of West Fargo's new middle school.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590
