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Buffalo Library Stands to Lose Two-Thirds of BudgetThe Buffalo and Erie County (N.Y.) Public Library expects to lose at least two-thirds of its total operating budget next year. In an October 18 letter to Library Executive Director Michael Mahaney, county Budget Director Joseph Passafiume said the system’s $29-million budget would be cut by $18 million for 2005. “We suggested to the executive director he may have to consider closing the whole library system down with the exception of the central library,” Passafiume told Buffalo’s WGRZ-TV.Mahaney told the Associated Press that the loss of the $18 million was likely to also cost the library an additional $3 million in state aid that is based on meeting minimum standards. “A number that big means closing a lot of libraries,” he said, noting that the system has already responded to the county’s financial crisis by cutting spending and leaving several vacant positions unfilled. “We’ve saved some money, but there’s no way you can save that amount.” Some 100 residents voiced their concern over the cuts at the library board’s October 21 meeting. Board Chair Rebecca Pordum encouraged them to express their “outrage” to county and state political leaders, the Buffalo News reported October 22. “They must not reduce our library support,” said Pordum. “The library as we know it would collapse.” Erie County is facing a $130-million budget gap blamed largely on rising Medicaid costs. The library is the largest county agency to face the prospect of cuts. Erie County Executive Joel Giambra previously proposed canceling contracts for plowing county-owned roads and charging for sheriff’s patrols in towns that lack a police force. Posted October 22, 2004. |
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