Bonneville County Library District
Minutes of the Bonneville County Library District Board of Trustees Special Meeting March 10,
2026
Called to order at 1:31 pm by Board Chair Rebecca Blackson
Present: Rebecca Blackson, Jenni Cragun, Library Director Michelle Tolman, and District Clerk Myra Judkins. Debra Haacke, Karen Harris, and Jennifer Crofts joined by phone. Members of the public in attendance included Clay Ritter and Allison Maier.
On a motion duly made and seconded after due deliberation, the following resolution passed unanimously:
RESOLVED, that the advisory ballot language was approved as submitted and that it be sent to Bonneville County for the May ballot. (Rebecca motioned, Jenni seconded.)
The approved language for the advisory ballot is as follows:
Advisory Ballot Measure for Bonneville County Library District
Advisory Vote: Support for a Library Bond or Levy to Acquire Permanent Buildings Through Purchase or Rent-to-Own and Reduce Long-Term Costs
Advisory Ballot Question:
Shall the voters of the Bonneville County Library District advise the Library Board of Trustees to pursue opportunities to acquire permanent buildings for library services in Ammon, Westside (Idaho Falls), and/or Ucon? This could include outright purchase, rent-to-own (lease-purchase) agreements, or other ownership paths to replace expensive ongoing rental payments with ownership or equity-building arrangements, allowing for expanded space to better serve the community at a similar or reduced overall cost to taxpayers over time. This advisory measure is non-binding—it simply shows community support to guide the Library Board in future decisions about facility strategies. This advisory vote does NOT increase taxes or collect funds.
• Yes (I support the Library District pursuing an opportunity to acquire permanent buildings through purchase, rent-to-own, or similar means to save money long-term by means of a future bond or levy)
• No (I do NOT support the Library District pursuing opportunities for property ownership through a bond or levy at this time)
Explanatory Statement (for voter information pamphlet, website, or ballot insert):
The Bonneville County Library District currently rents space for its branches in Ammon, Westside (Idaho Falls), and Ucon. Rent payments continue to rise with no equity or ownership benefits for taxpayers, and leases can limit long-term control, usage, and expansion.
By pursuing a voter-approved bond or levy, the district could acquire dedicated buildings through outright purchase, rent-to-own (lease-purchase) agreements, or other allowable ownership strategies for one or more of these branches (Ammon, Westside, and/or Ucon). This would provide more space for books, programs, community events, technology, and services— while stabilizing or reducing annual costs compared to perpetual rent increases.
Ultimately, the bond process allows the community to decide if securing a permanent facility at the lowest possible financing cost is the preferred direction for the district’s long-term financial health. Ownership or equity-building options (such as rent-to-own leading to eventual purchase) would build taxpayer equity over time, eliminate or reduce landlord dependencies, and potentially save money in the long run—for example, by redirecting rent-equivalent funds toward principal, interest, or lease-purchase payments, with no ongoing escalations after ownership is achieved.
Public library districts in Idaho generally have two primary pathways for acquiring or improving facilities:
1. Voter-Approved Bonds (Traditional Ownership)
Under the Idaho Constitution, districts cannot incur long-term fixed debt without a two-thirds voter-approved bond. This remains the traditional method for ownership. Because bonds are secured by a commitment from the community, they typically command the lowest available interest rates. Once the bond is paid off, the district owns the asset outright, eliminating lease payments and providing long-term budget stability.
2. Lease-Purchase Agreements (Alternative Financing)
Libraries may enter into multi-year agreements without a public vote by including "non- appropriation clauses." These clauses ensure that a current board does not legally obligate a future board; the contract must be renewed annually and can be terminated if funds are not allocated. While this provides flexibility, it often carries a "financing premium"—higher interest rates or fees—to compensate lenders for the risk that a future board might exercise the non- appropriation clause and cancel the contract.
Fiscal Comparison
While both pathways allow a district to move toward ownership and build equity, the voter- approved bond is generally the more cost-effective option. It avoids the higher interest rates of lease-purchase models and ensures that funds are directed toward the principal and interest of a permanent public asset rather than ongoing rental escalations or landlord dependencies.
This advisory measure is non-binding—it simply shows community support to guide the Library Board in future decisions about facility strategies. This advisory vote does NOT increase taxes or collect funds.
For more information, including current branch details (Ammon at 3015 South 25th East, Westside at 250 South Skyline Drive STE 6, Ucon at 10918 N Yellowstone Highway), facility needs, and how ownership or rent-to-own could benefit the district, visit www.bcld.org, contact the Library Director, or attend a Library Board meeting. Your input helps ensure our libraries grow to meet Bonneville County’s needs!
The meeting was adjourned at 2:13 pm by unanimous vote. (Jenni motioned, Karen seconded.)