Proposed State Budget Could Result in $10,000 Cut To Avon Lake Library

sIf Gov. John Kasich’s proposed budget goes into effect, several city branches will be affected negatively, including the (ALPL).

The good news is that if the cuts are approved, it will not result in any drastic reductions at the library.

“In the governor's proposed budget, the Public Library Fund takes another 5 percent cut,” Library Director Mary Crehore, said. “For ALPL, this is approximately $10,000, which would be effective the second half of the year (starting July 1).”

Crehore said the library has been “very conservative” with the budget.

“We should be able to maintain this year's status quo and not have to cut any further than we already have,” she said.

The 2011 budget includes certified revenue of $2.17 million and expenditures of the same.

The current budget reflects salaries and benefits that amount to 71 percent of the total expenditures, an increase over the 2006 percentage of 60 percent. Crehore said that could be misleading.

"Until the recession, our salaries and benefits hovered around 60 - 63 percent of the budget," Crehore said. "Ironically, even though we have reduced staffing by quite a bit, when you have a smaller bottom line than you planned for, your percentages increase in certain areas."

Crehore noted that salaries and benefits for the library include a department no other library has: DiscoveryWorks. Salaries and benefits for that staff total just under $100,000.

Although Kasich’s cuts would require tightening in some areas, the library could actually restore services cut during the recession if voters approve a levy. That levy, an increase, will bring in $2.3 million a year and cost residents an additional $2.50 per month per $100,000 of home valuation.

Crehore confirmed that should that levy pass Sunday hours at the library would be restored.

By the Numbers

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