Norwalk library raises request stalled in finance; part-time wage increase estimated at ~$1 million

The Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors on April 10 discussed a staffing pay proposal that did not clear the city’s budget process. Cheryl told the board her request for raises did not go through with finance; two other community services departments succeeded while the library’s request was not processed.

Why it matters: board members described long gaps in employee pay adjustments, with some library employees reportedly not receiving raises since about 2012. The board said the labor issue affects retention, morale and operations.

Cheryl said the new finance director agreed to sit down with library leaders to review pay requests for the next fiscal year and that there might be some limited opportunity to take action before then. “Initially, I well, just to be blunt, I guess if you don't use it, you lose it sort of thing,” Cheryl said of the budget process. She added the finance director promised a more thorough review in the next budget cycle and that staff would explore whether anything can be done in the current year.

Board members pressed for numbers. Cheryl said giving raises to all part-time staff under the board’s recommendation would amount to roughly $1,000,000 and that the library’s total budget is “a little less than 4 [million],” making the proposal about a quarter of the library’s annual budget. Board members characterized the situation as urgent for employees who have long gone without increases.

The board asked Cheryl to continue discussions with finance and to prepare more detailed figures for the next meeting. No budget change or formal authorization was made at the April 10 session.