Budget & Finance

2019 Budget Note

When preparing the 2018 budget narrative, we were enthusiastic about the positive changes: stable staffing levels, support for robust collections and exceptional programs, a financial commitment to maintaining a welcoming environment and a generally optimistic view of the future.  Most of those positive changes will reversed in 2019.  The slight, 0.44% decline in the equalized property value translates to a $8,800 loss of income. Anticipated increases in medical insurance, pension and DCRP total $20,000.  Funding the startup costs of BCCLS essential new delivery service adds another $9,000 expense to an already difficult budget.  The decreasing income, combined with increasing fixed costs create a $38,000 deficit in the budget that could only be filled by cutting materials, programs, fixtures and equipment, repairs to the facility and other important operating costs. 

Funding for operating costs that may come out of the current and forthcoming Strategic Plans are not included in this budget.  This draft budget removes funding for a part-time technology assistant that was identified in the current strategic plan.  It does not include funding for interns to assist with converting to a non-Dewey shelving system, nor does it include funding for additional staffing to support becoming a passport agency or increased programming.  It does not include funding necessary to convert existing part-time positions to full-time, such as a marketing coordinator. These initiative will need to be carefully weight in the adopted budget and upcoming Strategic Plan. Perhaps the most essential outcomes from the Strategic Plan will be viable options for sustainable, long-term funding.