St. Joseph County Library forced to find ways to cut spending

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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The St. Joseph County Public Library is facing some cuts (WSBT Photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Mar 22, 2008 at 7:45 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 22, 2008 at 11:09 PM EST

SOUTH BEND -- The property tax plan is good news for homeowners. But that's not the case for local government agencies, including the St. Joseph County Public Library.

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They're now forced to find ways to reduce spending to make up for the shortfall. Some of the options they're considering could have a major impact on people.

"And the library is the perfect place," said mother Jennifer Farwell.

Especially for 12 year-old Austin Holte. He's autistic and the disorder makes it difficult for him to concentrate.

"If there's too much sound or too many people around he can't focus. He can't draw," said Farwell.

But coming to a quiet, relaxing place on a Saturday afternoon could soon end for Austin and many others.

"Since the House bill passed it's going to cut some of our funding," said St. Joseph County Library Manager Libby Feil.

The St. Joseph County Library is facing a possible loss of $790,000 next year and $1.6 million in 2010.

It’s forcing the library board to look at ways to cut spending.

"The library always tries to be a really responsible stuard of the public monies. So what we decided what would be best for the patrons and for the taxpayers is if we started preparing for this now,” said Feil.

One of the many options the board is considering includes cutting back hours and closing on Saturdays.

"The library board is just tossing these around as ideas. So it hasn't been decided at all that we're going to close on Saturdays or that we'll close early on any other days. But those options are ones we have to think about," said Feil.

But if these options do become a reality, it would have a definite impact on people like Austin.

"He begs me to come. He begs me to come. If we didn't have this library because we're supposed to be quiet, I don't know where we would go," said Farwell.

Because the property tax legislation recently passed, the library says the money they're projected to lose will most likely change. They hope to have the exact numbers in a few months.

The library board is scheduled to meet Monday night to discuss the budget shortfall.

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