The city-county council froze the library’s budget this year following cost overruns on its $103-million expansion project, which has been delayed several years by lawsuits stemming from faulty construction, the Indianapolis Star reported March 23. The freeze had the effect of reducing the library’s spending by about 2%, resulting in the cancellation of plans to build two new suburban branches and the elimination of outreach services such as a bookmobile for seniors. While most staff received a 2% salary increase January 1, a second 2% raise scheduled for July has been cancelled and health coverage of retired staffers has been reduced.
Defending the salary increase trustees offered Mielke, Board President Louis Mahern said it would bring her pay in line with other libraries serving similar-sized populations in the Midwest, but added it would necessitate cuts in library services. “We can’t look to taxpayers, so any more money must come from staff or services,” he told the Star, “and I think we’ve asked enough of the staff.”
Council member Ron Gibson, chair of the committee overseeing the library, said the board should take public perception into consideration, noting that city employees haven’t received raises for several years. “I think it’s unreasonable for a leader to get a raise when other things are being cut,” he told the Star.
Asked by American Libraries if she had any additional comments on the matter, she simply observed, “All politics is local.”
Posted March 31, 2006.