As members of the Mexico Public Library Advisory Committee, we are concerned about the budget cap ordinance being proposed by a small group of citizens. The proposal is due for a vote on June 11.

Due to the uncertain consequences of such an ordinance, we feel that a budget cap might severely diminish library services that are now being offered to citizens in this community.

A budget cap would likely have a similarly adverse effect on other town departments, as well. If passed, who determines what town services are deemed essential or non-essential?

Although we cannot speak for what services the other town departments provide, we can speak for the library. The library promotes literacy, provides free Internet and Wi-Fi services, programming for both children and adults throughout the year, and also provides additional enrichment and entertainment through large print books, audiobooks and movies for sign-out.

We question if people want to live in a community where there are no free library services or severely diminished library services. For a Mexico citizen to utilize another town’s library, there is an annual fee that must be paid.

Mexico has had a library for 88 years in the same historic building, serving generations of families. We hope residents wish for that service to continue.

A “no” vote on the budget cap proposal is a vote to protect the library and other essential town department services.

Carol Lavoie, Cindy Welch, Jeanie Duguay and other members of the Mexico Library Advisory Committee