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Wednesday, March 17, 2010
News / Arts Library learns of $2 million cut in current budget year
Posted By Carlton Hargro on Wed, Mar 17, 2010 at 11:30 AM
This just in from the folks at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library:
Library learns of $2 million cut in current budget yearCharlotte, NC - On Tuesday, March 16, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library learned that Mecklenburg County would be reducing the Library’s funding for Fiscal Year 2010 by 6.3 percent, or $2 million dollars, before June 30, 2010.
To absorb a $2 million reduction in such a short period of time, the Library will need to lay off at least 140 employees, resulting in the closure of at least twelve Library locations, pending final library board approval.
The $2 million reduction comes on the heels of a $4 million reduction in county funds since January 2009. To aborb those earlier reductions without direct service impacts on the public, The Library Board took several measures including across the board salary and benefit reductions for staff, and making significant cuts in the Library's book and materials budget. The need to return $2 million dollars in additional reductions to Mecklenburg County within a three month period of time means that it is no longer possible for the Library to defer lay-offs and location closings.
The Library Board of Trustees will consider these options at their regular meeting on Thursday, March 18 at 12 p.m. in the Francis Auditorium. County Manager Harry Jones will meet with the board prior to the meeting at 11:30 a.m. As soon as possible after that meeting, the Library will announce which library locations will be closed. Once the decision has been made to close locations, it will take approximately two weeks to complete the closing.
Said Director Charles Brown, "The decision to cut library staff and close library locations was extremely difficult. We value the contributions of our exceptional library employees. Losing their jobs in these uncertain economic times we know will place considerable hardships on them and their families. I’m heartbroken for what they face and for what we face as a community with the closure of almost 50% of our libraries. Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries have been a critical component of the community since 1903. We provide access to self-directed education and enrichment opportunities for all, without regard to age, income, or previous level of educational attainment. We also understand the hardship that Mecklenburg County is facing as a whole. These are difficult times. Charlotte Mecklenburg libraries haven’t seen such large-scale reductions since the Great Depression when it had to close its doors completely"
The library will use its Reduction in Force (RIF) policy to determine layoffs. Library closings will be made based on the overall cost of library operations, usage levels, proximity to other branches and library size.
In addition to fewer locations, hours and staff, library customers will notice other budget impacts, including less frequent building maintenance, more limited technology resources, and longer wait times for books and other materials.
To keep the public aware of budget updates as they occur, the Library has created a special budget page on its website. Go to www.cmlibrary.org, click on "About Us," and then "Budget" to stay informed. Those interested in supporting the Library can make a financial contribution, volunteer, or even encourage friends and family to pay fines and fees promptly. Go to www.cmlibrary.org/support for more information.
Decisions on how Mecklenburg County taxpayer dollars are allocated to Libraries and other County-funded agencies are made by the Board of County Commissioners. Any citizen may contact their County Commissioner by visiting www.charmeck.org.
For more information about the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, visit our website at www.cmlibrary.org. Also look for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube.
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