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proposal for the Cannon Library, Mt. Pleasant Branch - Mr, Ralph Austin <br /> <br /> Mr. Ralph Austin presented a proposal for the residents of Mt. Pleasant to <br />build a library in that community and turn it over to the County to operate. The <br />facility would be of the same design as a new library in Marshville and built on <br />land donated by Dr. Allen Dobson, Jr. and associates. A non-profit corporation <br />know~ as the Friends of the Mt. Pleasant Library would be formed, consisting of <br />Dr. Dobson (Chairman), Dr. Charles W. Rhodes, Mr. Fred Morrison, Mr. Ralph <br />Austin, and Mr. Fletcher Hartsell, Attorney. The cost of the facility, estimated <br />at $325,000.00, would be provided by private funds from individuals and <br />businesses, grants, matching funds, State Library funds, and other sources. Upon <br />completion, the library would be given to the County to operate. <br /> <br /> Mr. Fred Morrison outlined the need for a library in the Mt. Pleasant area <br />as follows: (1) Growth of two major roads (Highways 49 and 73) which cross in Mt. <br />Pleasant; (2) The east end of Cabarrus County is now set for a population <br />explosion and economic development; (3) Mt. Pleasant now represents one-third of <br />the geographic area of Cabarrus County; and (4) A student population of 2,270 in <br />the Mt. Pleasant School District. He presented a picture of the proposed <br />facility and stated that the cost of $325,000.00 would include the plans, <br />landscaping and construction. In conclusion, Mr. Morrison requested that the <br />County provide operational funds for a library in Mt. Pleasant as it does for the <br />Kannapolis Branch Library. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tom Dillard, Library Director, estimated annual operating costs at <br />$60,000 to $80,000.00 based upon 30 hours of operation per week. He further <br />estimated the cost of the initial book collection of 5,000 to 6,000 volumes at <br />$100,000.00. <br /> <br /> There was discussion regarding the possible sharing of operating funds by <br />the Town of Mt. Pleasant, utilization of public schools for library facilities, <br />and the cost of furnishings, shelving, etc. for the new library. The Board asked <br />the County Manager and Mr. Dillard to bring additional information back to the <br />Board at the next meeting regarding the cost of equipping and operating a branch <br />library in Mt. Pleasant. <br /> <br />October 17, 1994 <br /> <br /> <br />