The James Prendergast Library’s board has dealt with scrutiny off and on in recent months. The board’s detractors dropped their opposition into high gear when members proposed auctioning oil paintings from the Mary Prendergast will and estate to fund an endowment covering operating expenses.

Ultimately, the board chose not to sell the art for a year – in exchange for $60,000 in operational funding from Jesse and Cathy Marion. As the painting controversy faded, so did the people. The past four library meetings have drawn next to no one from the general public, and that’s a shame – particularly since the book on the library’s future and city residents’ tax bills hasn’t been finished.

R. Thomas Rankin, library board president, was disappointed in the turnout for the library’s first community-based funding initiative meeting. On Tuesday, June 7, the library will ask voters in the Jamestown Public Schools district to approve $850,000 toward the library’s operating costs.

As the taxpayers would foot the bill, we hope to see some of them at the library’s 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, meeting. A taxpayer with a $50,000 home would pay $57.50 in additional taxes if voters approve the proposal.

We agree with those who feel residents already pay enough in taxes. We also understand the library plays an important role in the community. It’s time for both sides to make their voices heard.