One position targeted for cutting is the assistant development director, part of a three-member team that helped raise more than $1 million in private donations for the library. Councilman Jim Madaffer placed $113,000 on a budgetary wish list to restore it, saying, “For us to even contemplate cutting a position that clearly pays for itself just boggles the mind.” City Librarian Anna Tatar said the other job losses include both librarians and support staff and would result in less children’s programming, less coordination with the schools, and the elimination of the literacy program for adult learners who live outside the city, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported May 17.
Although the 2005–2006 budget is $238,000 more than the current fiscal year, an increase of less than one percent, the plan calls for a reduction in hours at the 34 branches to 40–44 hours per week, a 20% cut in purchases of books and other materials, and a freeze on computer and software purchases. It includes a 2.4% decrease for salaries, but a 17.2% increase for fringe benefits.
The two council members who voted against the budget, Donna Frye and Tony Young, said they didn’t think the city was being reasonable or practical. Frye suggested recouping money from the Centre City Development Corporation, the city’s redevelopment firm, from loans the city made to it years ago. Young proposed raising rents on land that the city leases to such private entities as golf courses.
The tentative budget adds uncertainty to a funding plan for a new $150-million downtown library that recently resigned Mayor Dick Murphy had strongly advocated.
Posted May 20, 2005.