Roanoke County discusses new Vinton library - FOX 21/27 WFXR Roanoke/WWCW Lynchburg News, Weather

Vinton's mayor Brad Grose could tell you all of the great things going on in Vinton, and what he hopes is in store next; a brand new library. 

"Just the talk of this proposed library and the revitalization grant has caused a lot of excitement. We have already seen an up tick in business activity," says Grose.

The current library would be knocked down, and for nine million dollars, taxpayers would get a brand new one in two years. 

Nothing is set in stone. The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors is still deciding whether to move forward. 

"There is nobody more in favor of libraries than I am but you have got to realize we are using taxpayer money here. We can't scream whoa on one side of the ledge, and then go overboard on one side," says board member, Butch Church. 

We checked to see how much of your money has gone to new libraries in the county, and where Vinton's price tag falls compared to others. The nice big south county library cost Roanoke County taxpayers approximately $15 million, and the almost finished Glenvar library cost six million dollars, and will open in May. Church says nine million dollars for Vinton's is too much, especially when money is tight.  

"The square footage could be a lot less and still be a fantastic project. Let me tell you something, a million or two million dollars could go a long way in other projects," says Church. 

As it is now Vinton's library is number 7 on the list of quality of life capital improvement projects. Only time and money will tell if that project moves forward, and becomes a priority for the county and its taxpayers.