FARMINGTON—There was some disagreement at the Nov. 18 County Commission meeting about proposed funding for new artwork at the Farmington/Headquarters Library. Davis County Library Director Josh Johnson came before the commission to ask for approval of a contract with Vision Graphics for six acrylic photographs.

“Photographs don't do them justice,” he said. “They’re quite large. They’re for our Farmington location which has been our headquarters for the past 13 years. Since we’ve opened we’ve used what was a temporary solution at the time.”

 Johnson said there was money in the library’s budget this year in maintenance for the buildings and this is considered some buildings. So the idea is that we’ve had someone take pictures and this $6,478 is to have them printed on acrylic and installed in the library.”

They’re big, said Commission Chair Lorene Kamalu. “It’s a big, big space that has waited empty and this is not part of the general fund, it's the library.” 

“No, there should be no impact on the tax increase that’s been discussed frequently,” said Johnson.

“So, Josh, just a question or two,” said Commissioner John Crofts. “It’s 42 by 72 inches? Is that accurate and there’s seven of them? I did a review and it seems like that was kind of expensive for that number of acrylic pictures.”

“We got three quotes,” said Johnson.

“You had three quotes as per policy,” said Crofts. “But my question is just because it’s in our budget do we need it? Do we need art in public buildings? I think it’s unnecessary. I will vote no on this.”

Right now the county is asking the voters and citizens of Davis County about a tax increase, he said. “I think this is a very small amount of money but it just gives very bad optics that we’re not tightening our belts and that we’re not saving money.”

“With respect, I’d like to comment,” said Johnson. “As I presented to the commission, the library’s funds are well spent. The return on investment is undeniable. The need to have welcoming public spaces is important, particularly in libraries.”

This has no bearing on the tax increase that’s been discussed, he said. “We have a separate tax. So respectfully I disagree but the commission does make these decisions so I’ll leave it to them.”

“If I may respond to that,” said Crofts. “The library budget is broken off from the general funds. That is a portion of property tax that goes to that. I’ve looked at the library. I do believe it is a welcoming space. I do believe that the library staff works hard to make it a welcoming place for many and that our facilities work very hard to make sure that it’s nice.”

Crofts said he doesn’t see the value of acrylic pictures. “I don’t see large pictures changing that much of the atmosphere of the library.”

“May I ask why you approved $10,000 for a mural for another department earlier in the meeting which does affect the percentage increase for taxes?” said Johnson. “Mine is $6,000.”

“I think we need to vote on this,” said Commissioner Bob Stevenson. “I make a motion that we approve item 15.”

“Before I second that motion,” said Kamalu, “The library system in Davis County is considered to be a gem in the state of Utah. There is not a system that exists in Utah County. Cities on their own have to figure that out. Josh has shown all the commissioners the numbers for the budget overall. In addition to how we compare with systems like ours, which Weber County is a system like ours, the amount spent per capita in our county is far lower for a robust amount of service.”

Any commissioner can have their opinion on art, she said. “But the citizens and residents of Davis County have a true gem of a system in their county and it’s for a very low amount per capita that we have this amazing library system and I’m very thankful for the work.”

“It’s a large amount of money,” said Crofts. “When you’re a widow living on a fixed income paying property taxes and how many widows are paying taxes so that we can have art in a library? It’s not a museum, it's a library. I just want to reinforce the point that if we are going to tighten our belts and spend money better this is just another example of waste.”

“All right, I have a motion and a second let’s do a roll call vote,” said Kamalu. 

Commissioner Crofts voted “nay” and Stevenson and Kamalu both voted in favor to approve the request.