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Library levy passage may not prevent cuts in jobs, services

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By Lynn Hulsey, Staff Writer 10:39 PM Tuesday, September 1, 2009

DAYTON — The Dayton Metro Library trustees today, Sept. 2, will consider layoffs and cuts in hours and services that will occur even if voters approve a higher 1.75-mill tax levy in November.

But Executive Director Tim Kambitsch said raiding the $11.3 million building and repair fund is not an option.

He also said most of the $5.5 million in cash reserves must remain untouched, although some will be tapped to balance the budget if the union representing 280 employees continues to reject concessions.

Kambitsch said the reserve has just $1 million more than is needed to pay two months of bills. The building and repair fund is a nest egg for future library improvements, and $4.7 million in identified repairs for things such as boilers and roofs, he said.

“The important thing is we are not going to spend it on pay increases,” Kambitsch said.

The existing 1.25-mill levy expires in December. If the new levy fails, “We could spend the entire building and repair fund to make up for lost levy revenues and we would still be millions short on what we need for current services,” he said.

The new levy would bring in $13.6 million annually, a $4.6 million increase.

The board meets at 4 p.m. today in the main library auditorium, 215 E. Third St.

The union last month rejected wage concessions, instead suggesting an alternative that Kambitsch said lacks the needed savings for 2010.

He said the library’s $25.3 million in projected revenues this year are $1.9 million less than anticipated. Budget cuts have whittled that down to a $500,000 shortfall. Union concessions would close the gap and help with a $1.2 million state budget cut in 2010. Rich Robinson, president of the Dayton Metro Library Staff Association, could not be reached for comment.

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