Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Like many surrounding libraries, school districts and other governmental agencies, Warsaw Community Public Library is facing a shortfall in its budget.
Due to delays in the property tax reassessment process and other state legislative changes, the budget allotment for WCPL that is usually distributed in June will not be forthcoming at that time. This means the library must operate on the actual cash flow amount, which is projected to be much lower than previously expected. A monthly distribution from the County Option Income Tax, while helpful, will be significantly less than the amount received in 2003. These factors make for a very tight budget.
Library director Ann Zydek put heavy restrictions on spending beginning in March, when she became aware that the property tax reassessment situation was not complete. At this time, the staff was informed that all purchase requests would be considered on a case-by-case basis, and not all requests would be filled. Whereas the library's official budget from the state is usually in the hands of the WCPL Business Manager Renee Sweeny by January, WCPL has not received its official 2004 budget from the state yet.
In addition to the above money-saving strategies, in March, Zydek instigated a freeze on hiring personnel. If a staff member resigns, a new person will not be hired to fill the position. This practice could continue until the end of this crunch. Still, these efforts have not been enough to stave off the shortfall.
After much discussion by the library board of trustees, Zydek and WCPL's middle management, some difficult decisions were made. Currently, Zydek has put a freeze on all library spending except for utility bills and absolute emergencies. This freeze will severely affect the ordering of books, videos and other library materials.
Another decision affects operating hours. WCPL will reduce the number of hours per week that the library will be open during this budget crunch.
Effective Monday, the library's business hours will be: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The library will remain closed on Sundays.
These hours mean an adjustment in the times that public meeting rooms are available. If you have a question about a meeting that has been scheduled, call the person in charge of your meeting for information about time changes or relocation.
In addition to a reduction in the hours that the library is open to the public, effective May 17, all part-time staff members are taking a reduction in the hours they are scheduled to work.
Also, the WCPL staff has been decreased by 10 positions effective May 19.
Other budget reductions will come in the cost of utility bills and incidentals as a result of less usage of electricity, heat/air, etc. In light of these budget reductions, the WCPL board and staff are refocusing on how to best use the remaining available resources to fulfill the library's vision of providing quality customer service, promoting reading and encouraging lifelong learning.
