City council restores some recreation hours; Farmers Branch library to proceed with a four-hour daily reduction in December

A staff budget update reported that the city council held a special meeting on Sept. 6 and restored previously proposed hour reductions for the recreation center, aquatic center and senior center, but the library will still move forward with a four-hour daily reduction in service time as planned.

A staff member explained that council approved retaining funding for the rec center and related services while authorizing the library’s adjusted service schedule. The plan is to implement the library hour changes on Dec. 1, with opening hours unchanged but weekday closing times shortened Monday through Thursday. Saturday and Sunday hours will remain the same, according to staff.

Staff said an updated contract with the library service provider will be on the council agenda for final approval (the meeting date referenced was Tuesday the 17th). The board was told staff will notify the public and include changes in the city’s December activity guide and other outreach channels.

Trustees discussed whether the board’s meeting time should be amended in the board bylaws to reflect new operating hours; staff noted the bylaws and operating language must align with the Texas Open Meetings Act when a change is proposed. The board agreed to consider approving an annual meeting calendar and any change in meeting time at the November meeting.

No formal vote on the budget or meeting-time bylaws occurred during this session; staff emphasized they will return with contract documents, a public-notice plan and timing for any operational changes.