By Jessie Burchette
jburchette@salisburypost.com
The first cutbacks in county services forced by the sagging economy will come in the form reduced hours for the library system.
All library branches will go to reduced Saturday hours starting April 18 and will be closed Sundays starting April 19.
The new schedule will remain in place through June 30 unless sales tax revenues increase significantly.
County Manager Gary Page said Thursday reduced hours and days for both the library and parks systems will likely be in his budget recommendations for the coming fiscal year.
The 90-day reduction in library hours and days of operation came about because of two vacant positions which are now frozen and another employee out on workmen’s compensation.
Jeff Hall, the county’s library director, proposed the cutback, citing the difficulties in matching available staff with the hours open.
Page said changing operating hours now will give the county time to evaluate the new schedule and decide whether it will fit into the new budget.
“Our revenues are down. We’re trying to figure out ways to save money,” Page said. “This is a perfect example of … trying to match revenue and service level.”
Officials expect to hear some complaints. But at this point, they say, there is little choice.
“We hope people understand,” Page said. “They don’t want to pay more taxes. We have to try to live within our means.”
In October, the county imposed a hiring freeze on all non-emergency positions. All departments were required to cut expenses by 5 percent in addition to reducing travel expenses.
County officials laid out a plan last month to cut $2.8 million from the current budget in an effort to overcome a $4.9 million deficit. Three unpaid furlough days for county employees will save $400,000.
Furlough days are set for April 13, Easter Monday, and May 22, Memorial Day weekend. A third day, if necessary will be Friday, June 26. If revenue improves, the third day will be dropped.
In another move to save dollars, the county will use part-time employees to keep the parks open on Easter weekend. In addition to the unpaid furlough day employees will take April 13, they get a paid holiday on April 10, Good Friday.
Dan Nicholas Park typically attracts a large crowd Easter weekend.
If the economy doesn’t improve markedly, Page said, he may recommend closing county parks on Monday and Tuesdays next budget year.
Page will begin work on the 2010 budget next week, after all the department budgets are in.
Page said some positions that are not vacant may be eliminated. Those positions are scattered throughout non-emergency departments.
He is also privatizing some work currently done by county employees to further reduce costs.
County officials are waiting for April 15, the date more sales tax data will be available. That will give them a better idea if sales tax revenue is on the rebound or continuing downward.
Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254.