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Tuesday, 11 August 2009 |
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 File photo: A library staff member checks out a book to a patron in this file photo taken at the St. Marys Community Public Library. By KATIE YANTIS
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — The St. Marys Community Public Library Board of Trustees approved actions to be implemented to balance recent funding cuts at their monthly meeting last week.
Director Sue Pittman proposed options to deal with the 30 percent decline in revenue to Fiscal Officer Bob Maurer. The options that were presented and approved by the board include reduction in staff hours by five hours, including the director and fiscal officer, and the closing of the library on Fridays.
“Basically we got together and we knew we were going to need to do something,” Pittman said. “I gave him some parameters and he began to work out what he thought would be do-able.”
The reduction in staff hours came as Maurer reviewed the income and the total dollar amount the library needed to reduce.
“I looked at first of all, layoffs didn’t work, we lost too many hours,” Maurer said. “We are going to receive about $24,000 less in PLF (Public Library Fund) revenue and about $48,000 less in 2010.”
While layoffs did not address the situation, Maurer said a reduction in hours helped the library stem the loss of funds.
He also added the benefits and status of the staff remain unchanged.
“The only thing that happened were people’s hours of work were reduced,” Maurer said. “They don’t lose vacation hours or health insurance premiums, it all stays the same.”
Maurer and Pittman said the decision to close on Fridays included a combination of factors.
“We reviewed gate counts, we take a count on number of people who enter the library on an hourly basis,” Pittman said. “It showed that we need to remain open on Saturday and we didn’t want to mess with the evenings. Friday was just the logical day as a result of the review.”
The following library hours go into effect on Monday, Aug. 17 — 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; closed Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday.
There are some organizations that have the meeting room scheduled for Friday on a regular basis. Pittman said she would be in contact with the person requesting the room to see if there could be changes made.
Maurer also added with the loss of staff hours, the library needs more to run efficiently than what would be available. Pittman said she was confident the public would respond well to the closing and would be understanding of the financial situation of the facility.
“I don’t think it will cause anyone not to come to the library, I think most people in the community realize that everyone is taking some sort of hit,” Pittman said. “With this current dilemma with finances, whether it be personally or if they are part of an organization, they will be understanding and they will also understand that we took the day with the least effect.”
As far as further action, Pittman said the discussion on the option of a levy has been tabled.
“The levy is on hold for the time being, there will not be anything on the November ballot,” Pittman said. “The idea has not been dropped. We will look to see what comes down with the public library fund next year. If we receive yet another reduction in funds, the board will be looking at a levy, possibly for the 2010 year. We are hoping not to go there.”
Pittman said Artfest started Sunday and will continue through the week. The Friends of the Library are having a book sale that will be held in the basement of the Trading Post. The sale will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 01 September 2009 )
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