One library in Grant County reducing hours because of property tax limits

The library board Monday approved that the facility reduce two hours from every weekday morning. While the board also approved the library close every Wednesday, Interim Director Sue Israel said she is implementing a volunteer program to keep the building open Wednesdays.

No other libraries in the county are reducing hours, but several officials said they may have to consider it soon when faced with declining revenue because of property tax caps.

Henrietta Story, Van Buren library board member, said especially with today's economy people have used the library more.

"We're just doing great, and that's one reason we really hate that we have to cut back, but we just don't have a choice," Story said.

Board President Larry Beouy agreed, saying lack of funds is the only reason the library will have to reduce its hours.

Israel said the library had hoped for $98,892 in revenue this year, but the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance reduced the amount it could take in to $81,646.

Now, with just over $30,000 left until the end of the year, Israel said the move had to be made. She said she hopes it's temporary.

"Between now and the end of the year, it's going to require some very careful budgeting," she said.

Other area librarians said they, too, are worried about the effect of lower property tax revenue on their budgets, especially for 2010.

"We're just keeping an eye on all our expenditures in general, but we haven't made an action plan yet," Gas City-Mill Township Public Library Director Nancy Bryant said.

It's a shame that libraries are faced with cutbacks now, Bryant said.

"With the unemployment ... everyone's having to submit applications and vouchers and resumes online," she said, adding that she believes people are partaking more of free entertainment with the library's programs and DVDs.

The directors of the Marion, Converse and Jonesboro libraries all said they are watching their cash flows closely, and they may be faced with cuts.

"I would like to see the library continue as we have in the past," said Coleen Carlson of the Converse Public Library.

Officials at the libraries in Upland and Fairmount said they don't have any plans to cut staff or hours.

"The budget is tight and cuts have been made, but we are busier than ever," said Barbara Dixon, director of the Barton Rees Pogue Memorial Library in Upland.

Fairmount Public Library Director Linda Magers said the library is still open 40 hours each week and employs one full- time worker and one part-time worker. Though cutting staff and hours is always a topic for discussion, especially with property tax changes, she said she doesn't plan to make cuts.

Back in Van Buren, there are two part-time employees and Israel serves as a part-time director. Beouy said because of the small staff, cuts in personnel were not possible.

The library board has faced criticism from the public over the last few months, when the board terminated former director Stephanie Beck over what they said was falsifying time reports. Petitions have been signed by community members that board members resign.

Beouy and Story said the library is not in the financial position to even begin the process of looking for a new permanent director. Story added that the financial situation would have happened regardless of the director.

"The money's just not there," she said.

Israel said while Van Buren is the only library in Grant County so far cutting a day, about 10 percent of libraries across the state have made a similar move.

Israel is hoping for a better fiscal outlook in 2010; the library's preliminary advertised budget is $114,791. If finances improve, the library's hours will return to normal.

"It'll have to be re-evaluated when we have a better understanding of our total budget picture for 2010," she said.

Staff writer Mishele Wright contributed to this report.