Libraries seek increase from County
By Brandy Nance
Originally published 12:49 p.m., June 27, 2008
Updated 12:49 p.m., June 27, 2008
During Thursday’s Lyon County Commission meeting, a representative from the Emporia Public Library asked for a 5 percent funding increase in the 2009 allocations that go to all the libraries in Lyon County.
Sue Blechl, director of the Emporia Public Library, asked for the increase. Last year’s funding amount was $96,000. For 2009 she asked for $100,800.
“Over the last few years, the libraries have accepted the cuts in county funding and have cooperated with the county in its general fiscal funding,” Blechl said in a letter. “The increase in 2008 back to the 2003 level was very much needed and appreciated.”
Blechl said the increase is needed for 2009 because of the minimum-wage increase.
“All of our libraries rely heavily on staff,” She said. “We feel that it’s reasonable in light of gasoline costs, postal costs and the minimum-wage increase.”
A blanket check is given and distributed to the Emporia Public Library, the Americus Township Library, Elmendaro Township Library and the North Lyon County Library.
“We know it’s a tough time economically and we thought our 5 percent request was realistic and perhaps fundable,” Blechl said. “Times are serious and we’re looking at all the ways to maximize services at the lowest cost but we can’t do everything, there is a limit.”
In other business, commissioners approved the storage of equipment from the 4-H Shooting Sports Group.
Karen Hartenbower, county clerk, said the county valuation estimates are up from last year. She said the Lyon County valuation is now $239 million, up $5.2 million, and the city’s valuation is estimated at $153 million, which represents a $3 million increase. She said these are only estimates and are subject to change.