If the Borough of Coplay ends up funding the Coplay Public Library, the borough is going to want its say.

As it stands, the borough has no input into how the library operates. A library board makes decisions on expenditures, hours and other matters, said Council President Lou Bodish.

"We cannot tell them how to spend their money," said Bodish at Tuesday's council meeting.

A question on Tuesday's primary ballot will ask voters whether they support a dedicated tax of 0.38 mills to fund the library. (See story, page 12).

If the referendum does not pass, the library can put the question on the ballot again in November, said Bodish.

The borough could also provide additional funding if council chooses.

"We're not just going to take some money and dump it over there and have no say about it. That would be irresponsible," said Councilman Charles Sodl.

Residents Anne Killeen and Mel Procanyn addressed council, saying if the library referendum passes and the borough continues to provide funding, it would be like "double dipping."

They also said they believe figures in a brochure put out by the library's political action committee are incorrect.

The brochure says property owners will pay $38 for every $100,000 in assessed value. However, most homes in Coplay have higher assessments.

Borough Secretary-Treasurer Sandra Gyecsek confirmed the average assessment in Coplay is $141,000.

Killeen said people with higher assessments will realize their actual bills will be much higher.