City pulls out of Wheeler system

By Staff
County may charge for use of its facilities
Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle's library is closing the book on its relationship with the Wheeler Basin Regional Library system.
Starting Oct. 1, Hartselle's library will be operating independently of the Wheeler Basin system. Local officials hope the separation will give the local library board more authority, including setting its own hours. Mostly, city officials hope the move will save the city money.
"I'd really rather stay in (the Wheeler system) but the costs could not be justified," Councilman Mark Mizzell said.
Hartselle had been paying $23,696 to Wheeler Basin. That money will now be used exclusively for local services.
"That money will now remain here and be used for our library," Councilman Bill Smelser said.
The continued free use of the Wheeler Basin Library in Decatur by Hartselle residents after Oct. 1 remains in question, according to Mayor Dwight Tankersley.
"The director there has indicated that a charge will be made to our residents once we are no longer a part of their system," he said. "However, City Attorney Larry Madison is checking that out from a legal perspective and we will have his answer in the near future."
Wheeler Basin Library system is made up of public libraries in Decatur, Eva and Falkville and the Lawrence County Public Library.
The city's library will start receiving state funds Oct. 1. After that, the changes will begin. Among the early changes could be opening on Saturdays.