Buffalo Library System Saved, But Must Retrench

-- Library Journal, 12/13/2004

The 52-branch Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (BECPL), NY, threatened with a shutdown after the county proposed cutting 75 percent of its operating funds, has been spared. In last-minute maneuvering, the Erie County legislature agreed to share part of a one cent sales tax increase with municipalities. The library system will not have to close branches, but will see its $24 million county revenue--the bulk of its support--cut by $2.5 million. A rise in other expenses, such as the cost of health care, makes for a total loss in purchasing power of about $4.2 million. The library's total 2005 budget, which includes state aid and a materials budget funded by bonds as a capital cost, will be about $31.5 million rather than $34 million.

The library's $5 million materials budget was not at stake. Library Director Michael Mahaney told LJ that he projects service reductions and personnel reductions at each facility. As for 2006, he said the prognosis is bad. First, the new sales tax revenue estimates are generous, and the county shortfall is expected to grow. There's little room for another sales tax increase, so the only place to raise revenue would be the property tax--but the county executive campaigned on a platform of lowering the property tax. "There's got to be a massive increase in the property tax to keep county services whole," he said.