Voters reject plan for new library

FRANKLIN, Ind. (AP) - Voters have rejected a proposed $29.9 million public library in downtown Franklin by a three-to-one margin.

The Daily Journal reports ( http://bit.ly/KOjcFU ) about 74 percent of Johnson County residents who cast ballots Tuesday voted against the library referendum.

A group of taxpayers opposed the 70,000-square-foot project, saying it was too big and too expensive.

The library would have had to borrow $25 million and repay $38.7 million over 20 years. The project would have added about $25 to property taxes on a median-price home.

Citizens Opposed to the Library Project spokesman Kyle Kasting says officials were out of touch with the public.

Johnson County Public Library Director Beverly Martin says in a statement that officials are disappointed and will seek public input for the library's long-range plan.