PRESS RELEASES
BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES DISCUSSES PLANS TO ADDRESS BUDGET SHORTFALLS IN 2005 AND 2006
~No Final Decisions Made Regarding the Status of Individual Libraries~
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Buffalo , New York . The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) Board of Trustees discussed plans to address budget reductions in 2005 and 2006 at its regular monthly meeting today, announced Board Chair Rebecca Pordum . The Board is considering two issues: the failure to receive 2005 library materials funding from Erie County and further reductions anticipated in 2006.
In 2005, Erie County provided $21.7 million in property tax revenue for B&ECPL operations – a decrease of 11% from 2004. To address this shortfall, cuts in Library services, hours and personnel were implemented at the beginning of the year. The adopted County Capital Budget also included $5 million for the purchase of library books, subscriptions, media and electronic resources for a combined total of $26.7 million in County support. To date, the County has not issued the bonds to fulfill this capital commitment to the Library.
“The B&ECPL must proceed and assume that the $5 million in capital money for 2005 will not be appropriated,” stated Pordum. “The System has no funds left to purchase Library materials for the remainder of 2005, forcing the Library to implement even more extensive cuts that already experienced.”
The B&ECPL Board of Trustees Planning Committee has recommended a 20% reduction in fourth quarter expenses for all facilities in the County. These cuts will fund approximately $1 million in materials purchases for the remainder of the year in order for the Library to continue meeting its mission.
County Executive Joel Giambra has stated that the existing 52 libraries will not be funded next year, and the B&ECPL's share of the property tax levy will not exceed the flat rate of $21.7 million with the indication that there will be no capital financing for library materials. Faced with these budget constraints, it is inevitable that library facilities will close in 2006. Given unavoidable increases in health benefits, pension costs, cost of living adjustments and utilities, one-time employee termination expenses and facility closedown and asset disposition costs, 19 libraries - or more - would close if supplemental funds are not appropriated .
“We are still very much in the preliminary planning stages,” said Pordum. “At this time, there is no definitive list of libraries slated to close.”
The B&ECPL Board of Trustees has been collecting and analyzing data from each of its 52 library locations. Many different criteria, such as current levels of use, geographic location, community needs and the size and physical condition of the building, are being examined and weighted. Those libraries with the lowest rankings will be at the highest risk for closing or will benefit from an opportunity to consolidate with another library.
“From today forward, the B&ECPL Board must direct its efforts toward sustaining those libraries that can deliver the most in resources and services to the largest number of Erie County residents with the limited financial resources at our disposal,” added Pordum.
The Library Board must submit its 2006 budget request, including the number and names of libraries that can be funded, to the County Executive before the end of August. The Board will provide opportunities for public comment in the coming weeks.
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 and 36 contract library facilities is dedicated to connecting Erie County 's diverse communities with library resources that enrich, enlighten and entertain.