By Sean Tubbs
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Thursday, October 7, 2010
 CAPTION |
A staff review of the agreement that has
Albemarle County
participating in the
Jefferson-Madison Regional Library
system will not be available until January, prompting concern from several members of the
Board of Supervisors
.
Download scope of work for staff review of JMRL agreement
“Back in June, when I asked to have a meeting with the library [Board of Trustees], I was told that within a couple of months we’d be having something back from staff,” Supervisor
Ann Mallek
said Wednesday. “[January] is way too late, from my perspective, in the budget process.”
Listen using player above or download the podcast:
Download 20101006-BOS-Library
Earlier this year, the JMRL’s Board of Trustees
threatened to close the Scottsville library
to cover a 5 percent reduction in funding from Albemarle County.
Supervisors eventually decided to spare the library
and allocated $3.17 million, the same amount as in the previous year.
“For that amount of money we could take care of the libraries in the county very easily,” Supervisor
Duane Snow
said.
The library agreement describes how costs are to be shared among JMRL’s six jurisdictions. All jurisdictions contribute to library administration and system-wide services. Charlottesville and Albemarle County both contribute to the funding of the Central, Gordon Avenue and Northside libraries.
Albemarle County is the sole supporter of both the Crozet and Scottsville branches.
“We’re under-serving our residents because we’re dumping the biggest portion into city facilities,” Supervisor
Kenneth C. Boyd
said, adding that he would prefer to spend money on the Crozet and Northside libraries.
Download 1991 library agreement
To leave the system, Albemarle would have to give two years’ notice, according to the agreement, meaning the county would at a minimum fund JMRL for at least two more years.
Supervisor
Dennis S. Rooker
said it was worth taking the time to complete the review.
“It behooves us to be well-educated and understand what it is we’re getting for what we pay and what the options would be,” Rooker said.
Supervisor
Lindsay G. Dorrier Jr.
suggested that the county might find a way to stay within the system but get more control of the system’s budget.
“If we think that they’re spending more money on [the city] than we think is proper, we can influence that decision,” Dorrier said.
Mallek said she wanted to avoid a repeat of last year’s showdown.
“We need to continue to support our library in the upcoming budget and not have a replay of last year’s debate,” Mallek said. “It’s one of those core services that we need.”
Supervisors will continue preparations for the next budget
with a meeting next Tuesday
to discuss future funding needs.
