PRESS RELEASES
PROPOSED ERIE COUNTY BUDGET CUTS LIBRARY SUPPORT MORE THAN $19 MILLION
- REDUCTION WILL FORCE ALL LIBRARIES TO
CLOSE AFTER JANUARY 1, 2005 -
November 5, 2004 - Buffalo, NY - Erie County's proposed 2005 operating budget released today cuts support to the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) by more than $19 million. County funding would plummet from $24.2 million in 2004 to $5.2 million in 2005. The loss of these local funds would trigger a reduction of an additional $2.8 million in State Library Aid as well as the loss of other library operating revenue. The Library's 2005 operating budget would fall from the requested $29.15 million to $5.79 million -- a loss of $23.36 million or 80% .
“With cuts of this magnitude, the Library System as we know it would collapse,” said Library Board Chair Rebecca Pordum . “After January 1, 2005, hundreds of thousands of citizens who depend on the their libraries would find locked doors at all 52 locations . Millions of dollars of public property would be out of reach -- essentially lost -- to this community, which truly values and relies on library service.”
To implement the reduction, the County would cut the Property Tax for Library Purposes by approximately 79%. Residents would not experience lower property tax bills, however, as that percentage of revenue would shift to the general County tax supporting Medicaid expenses.
The $5.79 million left in 2005 Library operating funds is not even sufficient to pay the costs of closing all 52 libraries. The unemployment and employee termination expenses for the 400 full-time and 700 part-time employees who would be laid off are estimated to cost approximately $5.79 million. Additional costs to close libraries and preserve library buildings and materials bring the total 2005 shutdown costs to $6.8 million.
“In effect, residents will be paying the same property tax bill, but will not receive any access to their library's collection, services, programs and technology,” added Pordum.
“Erie County's citizens deserve and need a vibrant public library system, not 52 locked doors,” stated Pordum. “We must urge our County and State elected officials to work together to find meaningful, lasting solutions to the challenges that face our region.”
For more information, call 858-8900 or visit www.buffalolib.org.
The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System, comprised of the Central Library, 15 city branches, 36 contract library facilities and mobile and outreach services, is dedicated to connecting Erie County's diverse communities with library resources that enrich, enlighten and entertain.