Phoenix Public Library Branches Won't Close, After All
Food tax, employee concessions bear the brunt; still, hours and services will decline
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 03/03/2010
- 2% food tax passed
- 3.2% employee concessions
- Branches will close one day each week
A month after plans surfaced to close six of 15 Phoenix Public Library branches and cut 73.5 positions, a much less onerous solution has been found to the city's budget problems. No branches will be closed, but the loss of 27.8 positions over the rest of this fiscal year and next year means a decline in service.
Still, the $2,244,000 cut was far less than envisioned, since an additional $5.5 million was saved, thanks to the library's portion of a 2% emergency food tax and 3.2% in wage and benefit concessions. Citywide, the tax and the concessions filled a city budget gap of $139.2 million, restoring more than 700 positions.
Reduced service
Still, according to the budget, PPL will experience reduced direct customer service at the Burton Barr Central Library and will cut eight hours a week at all 15 branches by closing on either Mondays or Fridays. Three branches will see reduced staff and materials. Overall administrative and support staff will be cut, as well.
The city, once a boomtown, has experienced dramatic declines in sales taxes, as well as its annual state-shared income tax. Citywide, some 85–95 employees receiving incentives will retire earlier than planned, creating savings.
