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El Paso County Restores Some Library FundingAt a special meeting September 13, county commissioners approved by a 3–2 vote the restoration of $153,000 in annual funding for the El Paso County Library in Fabens, Texas, allowing it to remain open after September 30. The amount is about $100,000 less than the library’s original budget, which had been zeroed out by the commission in August to help reduce a deficit of $20 million next year. County officials were pressured by library supporters who held an August 31 rally to protest the library’s closure.Nearly 400 people attended a public hearing after the meeting to consider a proposed property-tax hike, some speaking in favor of the increase and others criticizing the commission for failing to maintain a responsible budget, the El Paso Times reported September 14. “I am OK with raising the taxes if you keep the library open,” said Rosamaria Avitia, who submitted a petition signed by 450 people in the Fabens area, some of whom came with signs urging long-term library funding. County resident Judith Bidwell drew applause when she said many of the nonmandated programs facing cuts—including the library, senior nutrition programs, and county community centers—were “morally mandated.” A vote on the tax increase is scheduled for September 27. Posted September 17, 2004. |
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