I think we are in about the 4th iteration of the Chapel Hill Public Library debate, but whatever the number, it's an important debate about an important issue. Four things stick out to me:
First, the Town Council has delayed moving forward with the addition. As much as I want to see it built, the current economic situation being what it is gave them little choice. When the situation is more favorable I'm sure that they will move forward.
Second, the discussion on charging non Chapel Hill taxpayers revealed nothing new. I will say it again: study this carefully because replacing that $250K from Orange County with $60 to $100 usage fees might mean that you end up with less. Also, this just might not be the right time to engage in a fiscal equity battle with the Commissioners, not to mention the PR ramifications throughout the County. I know, others disagree, but ...
Third, each town department had to cut their budgets. For a library there are several short and long term actions that can reduce a budget, but the one that is immediate is to cut service hours. Service hours are linked to payrolls and payrolls are a significant budget item, so part of the plan was to cut service hours. The new hours went into effect December 1st and took us from 68 to 62 hours per week. The staff analysis of circulation activity tried to determine which hours would have the least impact. Note that this is just circulation and not other uses, so some users will feel the reduction more than other.
Fourth, I heard the "What People Are Saying on the Street" segment on WCHL this morning and it's clear that more must be done by the Town to explain what was done and why. It was clear that some didn't understand how cutting service hours would save much money.
Issues:
