Jan 9, 2017 2 min read

East Washington Borough Council postponed a decision on its financial contribution this year to Citizens Library after residents crowded a council meeting Monday.

Board members considered discontinuing funds because of concerns with their own budget.

Council Vice President Mary Taufer said unexpected road repairs, stormwater drainage failures and a landslide have squeezed the borough’s funds.

“Our expenses are going to be tremendous in 2017,” Taufer said. “And, we don’t want to raise taxes.”

The library, headquarters for the Washington County Library System and district center for Washington, Greene and Fayette counties, runs with money from the state, the borough, Washington County, Amwell, Canton, North Franklin, South Strabane and South Franklin townships, the city of Washington, Washington and McGuffey school districts, and from donations and the Friends of Citizens Library organization.

If the borough were to cease funding, East Washington would no longer have representation on the library board. Susan Martinelli, East Washington’s library board representative, is currently the library board president.

Since the beginning of 2015, the borough reduced contributions from $15,000 to $7,500 to $5,000. Other municipalities, including North Franklin and South Strabane townships, have also reduced their yearly contribution.

Operating with a budget deficit, library board members attempted to hire a consulting firm to formulate a long-term plan. The firm pulled out in October after faulting the board for the library’s problems.

Library Director Diane Ambrose told borough council Monday the library is in a transition phase. She said residents rely on the library’s resources, including borrowing books, using computers and taking advantage of many free programs.

“You should be proud of your heritage with your library,” Ambrose said. “East Washington has always been a staunch supporter of library services and education in this area.”

Several borough council members said they didn’t support discontinuing funding and wanted to reconsider the decision.

The board decided to hold further discussion about the library contribution in executive session and to make a decision at its next meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 6.

“You’re not going to balance your budget on this (library contribution),” said resident Jocelyn Shephard. “Let’s do the right thing. Let’s do the easy thing. Honor that commitment.”