The Library has been running a tight budget during the nineties, that has led
at times to hiring freezes and cutbacks to book purchases. The problem is
that on top of this tight cash flow, the new capital program as presented to
CLIC last spring and in their report "Outlook Twenty Ten" shows an unfunded
increase in annual spending of $1,953,360. The source of funds to cover this
shortfall was shown to CLIC as "to be determined." As of today, that source
of funds is still undetermined. This amount does not include any shortfall
from operations of the new central library, and it is "predicated on existing
public service hours; expanded hours will require additional operating
revenue."
The Library Board is aware of this shortfall and has no public plan of how it
will be covered. My understanding from library staff is that they will have
to do one of three things: cut operating costs to balance cashflow, go back
to the voters for additional money or go to the city for additional funds.
My belief is that this shortfall should have been factored into the
referendum so that everyone voting would be aware of the total package. It
appears the plan is to knowingly hook the taxpayers into the $140,000,000
capital improvements and then once the buildings are complete come back with
the request for operating funds.
I believe the referendum should not be approved as currently presented. The
Library Board and staff should tighten up their proposal and bring it back to
the voters when it is complete.
Bob Gustafson
CLIC member, 13th ward
