The Ann Arbor (Mich.) District Library, which discovered last year that it was $1 million in debt, has found in a new audit that it has a budget surplus of $3.3 million.
Although Library Director Mary Anne Hodel attributed the surplus to tight financial controls and spending restrictions, the October 17 Ann Arbor News said nearly $1 million of it came from higher-than-expected revenues, notably an increase in property taxes approved by voters to cover the deficit and fund new building projects. Additionally, expenditures were lower than projected in two categories, one of which was employee benefits.
The News also reported that library Information Director Tim Grimes said progress was being made in the four-year impasse over a contract with the union that represents about 50 library staff members, including some 20 librarians. However, union president Debbie Gallagher said 36 issues remain to be resolved, mostly concerning working conditions and benefits. Staff have gone without cost-of-living adjustments since 1996.
Posted October 29, 2001.