Our forefathers set in place a process for creating a quality of life and standard of living under the democratic principles that they followed. It was Benjamin Franklin who declared “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes!”

Today we still uphold those democratic principles and still pay those taxes. Unfortunately, unstable economies and under-funded and, even worse, unfunded state-mandated programs are creating a burden on local tax levies as local officials attempt to maintain the services that make living here desirable.

As the 2007 budget process gets under way, the La Crosse County Board is faced with some difficult decisions. State directives have forced local governments into a corner. Tax levy caps imposed by the state have changed the way that local governments do business. Cities and counties that spent the past few decades conservatively spending tax dollars and managing their budgets well are now being punished by the state for their thrift. The County Board is now struggling with what to do.

As a tax-funded service supported by the La Crosse County tax levy, the libraries in Bangor, Campbell, Holmen, Onalaska and West Salem face an uncertain future along with a number of other county-provided services including, snow plowing, parks, human service programs and community resources.

La Crosse County supervisors are pondering the impact of a $1.4 million cut to the 2007 budget as proposed by County Administrator Steve O’Malley. Cuts include about $131,000 to the library budget. That means reduced service hours at all locations including Saturday and some evening hours, service hours that accommodate working families and students.

The county administrator’s original budget — before the $1.4 million in cuts — would add less than about $15 a year on a $100,000 home. In comparison, the current list price of a new hardcover book is $28 and a new DVD is $19.99. Just think, for less than the cost of one book or even one new DVD, the budget would retain all services, including library hours.

Have you ever thought about the monetary value of your own library use? The Maine State Library offers an interesting take on this. Go to www.maine.gov/msl/services/calculator.htm and take a look at how your average library use is valued.

Just one book a month and an hour a month on the Internet is valued at $27. Add a stop at one of our storytime sessions and call in with one reference question a month and you’re up to $40.

Our elected officials are inviting input from the taxpayers directly. If you have an opinion on the level of county services, especially local library services, and the impact of funding decisions made for the 2007 budget, a hearing will be held Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. at Logan Middle School in La Crosse.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr said, “Taxes are the price we pay for civilization!” Let your county supervisor know in what kind of civilization you wish to live!

Chris McArdle Rojo is director of the La Crosse County Library System.