$10.5M Library Project May Mean Joliet Tax Hike

JOLIET, IL — This month, the Joliet City Council will need to decide whether follow the recommendation of city finance director Jim Ghedotte and raise the city's property taxes to fund a proposed $10.5 million renovation to the Joliet Public Library's downtown branch.

The library says it has $4 million in reserves for what's being marketed as the "Burnham Project," but most of the funds would actually come from a city of Joliet property tax increase.

The Joliet Public Library brochure about the estimated $10.5 million renovation project states the construction would begin in late 2020. The downtown library branch, 150 North Ottawa St., seeks roughly $6.5 million to be included in the 2020 city of Joliet's operating budget.

“Downtown Joliet is in the midst of a grand renaissance and residents are starting to desire downtown living,” Executive Director of the Library Megan Millen said in a press release. “The Marriot Corporation has found downtown Joliet desirable enough to invest in an $18 million new hotel project. With several other projects underway or in the offing, now is the perfect time to improve our diamond in the rough Public Library."

The downtown library renovations would increase city of Joliet property taxes by $8.56 a year if your house is worth $200,000. A house valued at $150,000 would pay an extra $6.21 per year, according to the library's handout.

Last year, the Joliet Public Library said it provided more than 3,000 free programs for adults, children and young adults at both locations, welcoming more than 90,500 attendees. The Joliet library has a collection of 267,620 printed materials and more than 56,000 e-Books. The Ottawa Street Branch welcomed about 175,000 visitors in 2018.

According to library officials, Project Burnham will address lighting controls, aging building systems, accessibility and plumbing requirements. The project would create:

• Separate floor just for children and families
• A magical discovery zone for youth to encourage creative play and learning
• Individual and collaborative study spaces. Currently the Ottawa Street Branch has no private study rooms or designated quiet areas.
• Improved digital media and maker spaces which are already wildly popular at the Library
• Larger, more extensive Local History Room
• Opening of the Chicago Street entrance to allow easier access to pedestrians

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The $10.5 million renovations "will create an inviting downtown destination for the community and serve as an indoor compliment to the adjacent future City Square," the brochure reads.

Downtown Joliet's library was built in 1903 by prominent Chicago architect Daniel Burnham and the library's last major interior renovation was in 1991 when an addition was built. In 2017, the downtown library spent about $1 million to install a new roof. The Joliet Public Library also operates a west-side branch on Black Road.

“As the third largest city in Illinois, Joliet should have a modern public library that reflects the changing needs of a resurging downtown,” Millen said. “Joliet Public Library, in the heart of downtown, can be an anchor to economic development and growth. Together with the City of Joliet, we can create a unique and fabulous destination for our community.”

This week, long-time Joliet community activist Bob Hernandez posted on his Facebook page that he is constantly approached by Joliet residents who are absolutely livid with the notion of raising their property taxes. The proposed city of Joliet budget was put forth by interim city manager Steve Jones and finance director Jim Ghedotte. The two men are also calling for a city of Joliet gasoline tax ranging anywhere from 1 to 4 cents to generate more city revenue.

Jones successfully convinced the City Council in November to approve an array of parking rate increases for the downtown parking lots and two parking decks. Only Council member Jan Quillman voted against it.

"In the last few days I have talked to many residents about the proposed tax increases in the Joliet 2020 budget by staff. This issue would directly effect all Joliet residents," Hernandez wrote on Facebook. "The NorthPoint issue was not significant for many Joliet residents as it is for many Elwood residents.

"I haven't seen such anger in years as Joliet residents are upset about raising any taxes. The previous years proposed budgets all predicted deficits. In my line of work I see hundreds of Joliet residents and many are expressing anger over the proposed tax increases. I encourage my friends on the (City) Council to pick random neighborhoods to walk and ask residents about the proposed increases. Do not listen to just people who attend political functions or with a special interest but listen to that silent majority who do not know any public official on a personal basis but are the silent majority of voters."