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Clearwater library faces proposed hour reductions and staffing cuts under city budget plan
Summary
Library Director Jen briefed the advisory board on proposed city budget reductions that would eliminate Sunday hours at Countryside and Saturday hours at the Main Library and reduce staffing by not filling vacancies; changes targeted by Oct. 1 under the city budget timeline.
During the director's report, Jen said city department directors were asked in December to submit budget scenarios that included a 5—% reduction target and that the city held a high-level budget strategy meeting with council in late winter.
Jen said the library's proposed operating changes include eliminating Sunday hours at the Countryside branch and reducing Main Library hours to Monday through Friday, which would remove Saturday service at the Main Library. She said the projected reductions in hours "does mean a reduction in staffing" and that the library is not filling two current vacancies. Jen said the library expects hour changes to take effect by Oct. 1 if the budget reductions are approved.
"We were given an assignment for a 5-10% reduction," the director said. She told the board that hours for other branches in East and North Greenwood would remain the same and that the Beach Library hours would resume when that branch reopens.
Board members expressed concern about service impacts. Donna Dennis called the news "difficult" and other members asked questions about timing and which branches would be affected. Jen said the council will have a first look at the budget in July after internal finalization around May.
Ending: The director said the library is working through the internal process and will provide updates as the budget timeline proceeds; she reiterated that specific dollar and staffing figures were not finalized.
