Staff writer
chriscam@observer-reporter.com
Although Citizens Library is facing a shortfall in next year's budget, it can at least give thanks that South Strabane Township has returned its appropriation to 2008 levels.
Supervisors in South Strabane on Tuesday reversed their decision to cut the library appropriation by half in next year's budget. They returned $12,000 to the budget for a library appropriation of $24,000 in 2009. It means the library also will receive another $6,000 in state aid.
About a dozen people attended the board meeting to support the library and ask supervisors to reinstate the appropriation. Some even suggested the township add another mill of property tax for the library, including Ginny Adamsky, who said it is up to the township to support the library now that the city of Washington is facing financial difficulties.
"For years, Washington supported the library, but you see what's happening to the inner-city structure. Now, they depend on us," she said. "I think it's our time to step up to the plate. Washington proper can't carry the load."
Library director Diane Ambrose said the township is second in the number of residents who use the library and take part in its programs. She noted North Strabane and Cecil townships give Canonsburg Public Library more than $32,000 a year.
An article in Monday's Observer-Reporter about the cut resulted in Supervisor Robert Hollick's telephone ringing early, he said. And no one he spoke with wanted to see the funding cut.
Raising taxes to help fund the library would not be necessary, he said, noting there is about an $87,000 carryover in the budget. Supervisors voted 3-2 to take $12,000 from that carryover and return it to the library. The 2009 preliminary budget will have to be readvertised to reflect that change.
Although supervisors said previous quarterly reports showed a reduction in the number of South Strabane residents who use the library, Ambrose said township usage has increased since she has been director.
The board questioned whether a user fee can be instituted and how the library is attempting to cut costs.
Ambrose said if the library charges money to borrow items, it will not receive state aid. She noted that the library board is reviewing staff and operating hours, and a development committee is working to find alternative ways to raise money.
The board also asked how much she is paid. Her salary is $70,000.
After the board restored the library funding, Bob Giacometti, a member of the township park and recreation board, asked that the board's appropriation be increased as well. The board had asked for $85,000, but the 2009 budget calls for $25,000, half the amount it received in 2008.
Hollick said the park board is different from the library because it can request money all year, especially if it has a certain project in mind.