We, the undersigned residents of Porterville, respectfully petition the City Council to reconsider the allocation of General Fund monies toward the proposed Battleship Playground and Washington Monument project.

The General Fund exists to support essential community needs, public services, and long-term investments that strengthen the well-being and future of our city. With our new public library still facing a significant funding shortfall, it is neither fiscally responsible nor aligned with community priorities to direct scarce General Fund dollars toward nonessential, symbolic, or tourism-oriented installations.

Porterville needs a fully funded public library far more than it needs a themed playground or monument.

A modern public library is a foundational community asset—supporting literacy, workforce development, safe youth spaces, digital access, and lifelong learning. It addresses real and urgent needs in a city where educational attainment, poverty levels, and economic challenges make equitable access to information and learning resources absolutely vital.

Directing General Fund resources toward the library construction would:

Ensure the project is completed without further delays

Fulfill the City’s commitment to residents who have long advocated for this essential facility
Provide a safe, accessible, multi-use educational space for families, students, seniors, and job-seekers

Deliver long-term value that benefits the entire community, not just a specific interest group or symbolic narrative

We believe public funds should serve public needs—and right now, the greatest need is completing the library our community was promised.

We therefore urge the City Council to reject the use of General Fund dollars for the Battleship Playground and Washington Monument project and instead allocate those funds to help close the library’s construction funding gap.

A city’s priorities are reflected in how it chooses to spend its money. We ask our elected leaders to prioritize Porterville’s future, families, and educational growth above symbolic projects.