Mecklenburg County Tightens Its Belt

Understanding the Impact of Budget Cuts

Link to pdf file

Link to May 20 Charlotte Observer article, "County cuts, layoffs will be far-reaching.  Mecklenburg libraries, parks, schools among most affected".

Excerpt:  Library trustees vote today.

The planned library cuts have received some of the most public attention. Today, trustees will meet to discuss the $14.7 million proposed reduction in their budget and vote on closing Carmel branch, Belmont Center and the Checkit Outlet on South Tryon Street uptown.

The proposed cuts equal about 45 percent of the system's current budget. Steeper cuts were avoided by working out a plan to consolidate the library's security and facility maintenance services with those of the country, saving more than $2 million.

Director Charles Brown says library staff will meet with county officials in coming weeks, to try to convince them to add back $5 million to the budget.

"I think we've heard citizens really want to preserve as much of library system as could possibly be preserved, and we're working with the community to try and accomplish that," Brown said.

Related articles:
County manager cuts $14.7 million from library budget.  (5/18/2010)
2010-11 Mecklenburg County budget to be unveiled today.  (5/18/2010)
North Carolina woman plans on "going straight to the top" to keep Charlotte libraries open.  (5/16/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg officials ask local municipalities for $3 million contribution.  (4/30/2010)
Library Board chair speaks out.  (4/25/2010)
County commissioners seek ways to ease library cuts.  (4/23/2010)
Mecklenburg County needs to reduce $85-90 million deficit.  (4/16/2010)
County manager takes library board to task.  (4/10/2010)
Libraries now open fewer hours.  (4/6/2010)
"Save Our Libraries Sunday".  (3/29/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg users owe average of 55 cents in fines.  (3/27/2010)
Library announces new hours for branches.  (3/26/2010)
Library Board applies a Band-Aid to its bleeding system.  (3/25/2010)
Follow-up on Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board vote.  (3/25/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board votes to keep all branches open.  (3/24/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board presented with 2 budget-cutting alternatives.  (3/24/2010)
More and bigger cuts looming on horizon. (3/23/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library System Rethinks Closings. (3/22/2010)
A New Day is Dawning in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County. (3/21/2010)

Charlotte Mecklenburg libraries haven't seen such large-scale reductions since the Great Depression. (3/17/2010)