Keywords
Citation
Fitzsimons, E. (2001), "Public libraries, increased costs and city council decisions: the state of affairs in the State of Washington", The Bottom Line, Vol. 14 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/bl.2001.17014aab.009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
Public libraries, increased costs and city council decisions: the state of affairs in the State of Washington
Public libraries, increased costs and city council decisions: the state of affairs in the State of Washington
Keywords: Local government, Public libraries, Taxation, Library services
Dateline: Spokane and Tacoma, WA
In order to cope with a budget shortfall of close to $650,000, the Spokane Public Library may have to cut library hours. While the library faces increased costs in personnel and materials, the city's own revenues are down and there is unlikely to be any increase in library support. The library board postponed any final decisions until after its budget presentation to the city council in late October/early November 2000. Available at http://www.libraryjournal.com/articles/news/thisweek/20001002_16114.asp
Other libraries in the state of Washington are also facing dire circumstances, if a proposed tax cut is passed. After a 1999 tax cut, this might make it impossible for some libraries to continue to provide services. According to Nancy Zussy, State Librarian, "Many localities depended on this tax for as much as 75 per cent of their total operating revenue. Two libraries in one small town are hanging on for dear life and not expected to survive; others, hit by the domino effect in their cities – as large as Spokane and Tacoma – are facing significant shortfalls." Washington's regional systems are funded almost exclusively by local property taxes. The pending proposal will return taxes to 1999 levels and limit increases to "two per cent a year or [the rate of] inflation, whichever is smaller. If passed, the effect on libraries will not be swift, but it will be substantial and negative." Available at http://www.libraryjournal.com/articles/news/thisweek/20001023_16333.asp