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Salinas Votes to Close Its Three LibrariesFaced with a projected $9.2-million deficit, the Salinas, California, council voted 6–1 September 21 to close all three of the city’s public library branches in the first half of 2005. Officials also plan to close six recreation centers and reduce the city payroll by 71 full-time positions—nearly half of them library staff.City Manager Dave Mora explained the city’s grim financial position to a standing-room-only crowd of about 120, the Monterey County Herald reported September 22. “This is probably the worst time in the history of the city of Salinas,” Mora said. He blamed the deficit on a combination of revenues transferred to the state, lagging sales and utility tax revenues, and increased employee health and retirement costs. Lynne Steele, president of the Friends of the Salinas Public Libraries, told the Herald she had been expecting the decision since July, when Mora posted a preliminary budget forecast on the city’s website. “I’m scared, but I feel they need to make the cuts,” she said. Although council members stressed that the situation would change if voters approve three local tax measures on the November 2 ballot, some residents spoke out against the cuts. “What would John Steinbeck and Cesar Chavez say if you closed their libraries?” 8-year-old Gloria Salcido asked. Two of the library branches are named after author Steinbeck and United Farm Workers founder Chavez. Posted September 24, 2004. |
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