Library Director, Residents Plead with Council to Not 'Cut' Library Budget

The council introduced basic figures from its 2011 proposed $44.43 million budget on Wednesday night, which will increase municipal taxes anywhere from 5.2 and 7.4 percent, but it's not one Library Director Nancy Greene seemed too pleased with.

After declines in property values over the past three years, which are tied to library revenue, the library is staring at a $115,000 hole and may have to close nearly twenties days in the year, furlough employees and cut back on book buying–in short, do more with less, a common theme during tough budget times. That is, unless the council agrees to fund $76,750.

But, says Greene, "The library, our patrons, our Boards, our staff - can no longer do more with less, as we see our historic level of excellence diminishing."

With budget cuts the last two years taking a heavy toll–and even with efforts made to develop new fee models, programs and incur closings, as well as donations from residents–the library is still short, according to Greene.

"We were going to try all these new programs. The interest isn't what we'd hoped," Greene said at the council meeting Wednesday. The library is facing a 30 percent increase in total benefits since 2009, up to $521,294 this year.

Greene approached the council Wednesday and said the council should provide $76,750 to its budget, which will return the library to its 2010 budget level.

The library budget is largely based on the total one-third mil of all assessed value of the village, directly impacted by changing assessments. The village would be funding $2,162,600 of the total $2,620,567 should the cuts be made. Should the figure be reinstated, it would increase the village appropriation to $2,239,350.

That figure Greene is requesting is "the difference from last year's one-third mil and this year's one-third mil," Village Manager Ken Gabbert explained to the council. The village must legally fund libraries at a certain level and Greene said although the budget's proposed figure is within that minimum, many districts allot more support.

The library director said she was informed by Gabbert that none of the scenarios the council is considering include Greene's request.

"I said, 'Ken, what can I do to get that in there? I can't let this happen,'" Greene said. Gabbert then reportedly informed her she needed to convince the council to include the money.

The consequences if the council doesn't decide to? Greene said the library will close its doors for eight Fridays and nine Sundays "as well cut the book budget to about $183,000." The library would also lose money in fines, fees and other current generators, Greene has previously said.

"I don't think you're going to let that happen," Greene said to the council. In quoting a previous mayor, Greene said it's not about "keeping up with the Jonses" because as Ridgewood, "we are the Jonses."

"It's really going to diminish our ability to provide services," she added. "Even if you fund this budget [with Greene's request] we'll still be down 2 percent from 2009. But we know you have other pressures and we'll do our best."

Numerous residents–who comprise of 'just the tip of the iceburg' according to Greene–pleaded with the council to provide the $76,750 back into the budget.

One resident, who touted the many benefits of the library, said friends from other towns are 'jealous' of the quality of the Ridgewood library. "I think it's a reflection of the values of our community of being well-informed and educated citizens. I hope you will consider restoring the budget," she said.

Another resident, Ridgewood High School student Madeline Moran, said she's concerned about the 'cut'. A library volunteer for about seven years, Moran said the effect will mean students wouldn't have as much access to books, which are "important to keep kids reading."

"If the library has to be closed [certain days], there will be days in which kids can't come in for homework help, activities or volunteer opportunities," she said, adding it will restrict how the library can serve the village. 'Nana and Papa,' Nancy and Ernie Scerbo, said one of the main reasons they stuck around Ridgewood after retiring was because of the library, where they volunteer reading to young children.

"The library is a destination, a place that needs to be open every day in all seasons," Nancy said in a statement to the council.

The three council members–short Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh and Councilman Paul Aronsohn–did not address the comments at the public session.

The budget's public hearing is scheduled for May 11, 2011.