Pursuing the District: Legal Options For Forming A District
The next section of this handbook will be dedicated to what legally has to happen to create a district. Once you have made the decision to go forward with the district vote you need to prepare some materials that will help you with forming a district. These materials can also be used for public relations. Let's start with a discussion about the legal routes for creating a district. It will help you better understand the various materials you need to create and why.
After talking to local government officials you should know which option you are going to have to use to become a public library district. The first option is a resolution passed by the county commissioners that puts the library district issue on the ballot. The second option is the petition route. In this option you will have to get signatures from registered voters before the county commissioners pass a resolution. Both options require an election to officially create the library district. Let's explore each option. This information is based on MCA 22-1-702. Be advised that the steps outlined herein are of a summary nature only. Users of this handbook are encouraged to refer to MCA to determine the required legal steps necessary to form a district.
ASPeN: The New Library Directory
- Home
- Introduction To Public Library Districts
- What Are Districts?
- Pros And Cons Of Library Districts
- Difference Between Library Districts And Other Types Of Libraries
- Who To Contact For Help?
- Exploring Library Districts and Gauging Support for a District Effort
- Research The Districting Option
- Decide on Whether or Not to Create A Committee To Explore District Option
- Decide on Boundaries and Name of the District
- Decide on Services the District Might Offer
- Create a Budget for the District
- Determine the Amount of Mills You Will Need Levied
- Talk to Local Government Officials
- Talk to Library Supporters
- Decide Whether or Not to Move Forward With the District Option
- Exploring Library Districts Checklist
- Forming a District Group - The Role of Local Government Officials and the New Board
- Create an Official District Planning Group/Committee
- Coordinating Local Government Efforts
- The New Board of Trustees
- Forming a District Group Checklist
- Special Considerations
- Planning for Facilities
- Funding For The First Year
- Accounting, Legal, Maintenance Costs
- Transfer Of Staff And Benefits
- Special Considerations Checklist
- Pursuing the District: Legal Options For Forming A District
- Option 1: County Commissioners Pass a Resolution Putting the Library District Issue on the Ballot
- Option 2: Create the district through a petition process and then a resolution by the County Commissioners
- Develop A Map And Description Of The Boundaries Of The New District
- Decide Upon The Maximum Mill Levy That You Want For The District
- Decide On The Number Of Board Members
- Decide On When You Want To Hold The Election
- Draft The Petition
- Circulate The Petitions And Supporting Materials
- The Hearing With The County Commissioners
- Legal Options Checklist
- Election Process
- Create an Election Committee
- Create an Election Calendar
- Create a Public Relations Plan and Design Public Relations Material
- Present Your Idea to the Community
- Get Out the Vote on Election Day
- Conducting the Election
- Results Certification, Canvassing, and the Creation Order
- Election Process Checklist
- Outcomes Of The Effort
- Success
- Election Fails
- Appendices
