The Westchester Public Library in Chesterton, Indiana, is facing a budget crisis in 2002 that could force it to cut staff and hours drastically or even close its doors entirely. Those were the worst-case scenarios presented to board members November 15 by Director Phil Baugher, as he explained the immediate loss of about $400,000, or 49% of the library’s 2001 property-tax revenue, caused by Bethlehem Steel’s declaration of bankruptcy in mid-October. The company made it clear to Porter County officials November 8 that it would not pay taxes due in November or any taxes in 2002.
Indiana Sen. Rose Ann Antich (D-Merrillville) said in the November 9 Munster Times that she was “absolutely hopeful” about the success of emergency bail-out legislation that calls on the state to provide affected governments and schools with an interest-free loan to cover shortfalls. Others, including Porter County Commissioner David Burrus and state tax board officials, were not as optimistic. The Indiana general assembly is scheduled to debate the measure November 20.
“We will be prepared to act either way,” Baugher told the Times, adding that there will definitely be a reduction in staff and operating hours and a “deep reduction” in acquisitions. He said he might call on board members to help staff the circulation desk under austere conditions. Nineteen members of the public have already come forward to volunteer services in an effort to keep the library going.
Posted November 19, 2001.