Library hit by revenue decline; budget slashed

"We shouldn't be surprised by this, because the economy is terrible and we're funded through property taxes and timber money," said Jennifer Hull, head librarian at the White Salmon library. "Most of our funding comes from property taxes, and tax valuations are down and tax revenues are down. But we weren't quite expecting it so suddenly and so deep. Hopefully this will be it [for budget cuts]."

The budget problems will result in layoffs for six administrative employees in the district's headquarters office in Vancouver, and sharp reductions in funds for book purchases, travel, training, capital purchases, and professional services.

In December 2002, the library district approved a $16.2 million budget for 2003. This decision adjusts the 2003 budget downward to $14.9 million.

"We do not anticipate a significant public service impact from these cuts," said Bruce Ziegman, executive director of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. "We looked carefully at trimming costs in areas that would minimally affect our ability to provide great library service, which is the district's primary mission and top priority."

Hull said she did not anticipate any big impact as a result of the adjustment to the budget.

"There will be no direct immediate affect," Hull explained. "It'll be interesting to see what the affects will be. All those Vancouver employees do work that benefits the branches."

According to FVRLD administrators, the district faced higher than expected expenditures for 2002, and library officials discovered a "discrepancy" of $358,000 between anticipated and actual revenues for 2002.

Hull pointed out that the library district is trying to avoid cutting direct services to public. However, there were no promises for 2004.

"I'm hoping there will be no more cuts of staff," she said. "Ultimately it might mean shorter hours or fewer branches. They are not giving us any hints at this point. But the administration didn't do this lightly."

White Salmon's branch library currently has two full-time and three half-time employees. One full-time position is open following the recent transfer of longtime staff member Jenine Whitecastle to the district's Ridgefield branch.

Hull hopes to hire a replacement for the position by the end of May. She noted that no hiring freeze has been put into effect.

The library district serves patrons in Klickitat, Skamania, and Clark counties, as well as the city of Woodland in Cowlitz County.