This summer, the Springfield City Council, using an outside task force and paid consultant, decided that a $500,000 reduction in the Springfield Public Library’s budget would be needed to help reduce an estimated $4.5 million shortfall in the city’s 2027-28 proposed budget.
Here are the simple facts:
- The $4.5 million deficit amounts to 9.1% of next year’s $49.2 million projected general fund balance.
- The library’s current $2.3 million budget primarily covers staffing, new book procurement, office supplies and software licenses. It is currently one of the smallest users of the city’s $46.1 million general fund, relying on about 5% of it.
- The proposed library funding would only cover 11% of the projected budget deficit. But it would amount to a 22% cut to the library’s budget!
Yes, one of the smallest city departments must deal with a 22% cut, while the remaining amount, $4 million, may be addressed by a proposed payroll tax — one that likely wouldn’t spare the library from cuts.
Does that sound fair? What would it mean to the public, the people coming in every day through our doors? What would it mean to the foot traffic we provide for a vital Main Street?…