Two public libraries slated for significant cuts will remain open
Posted Dec. 16, 2010
After an extensive review, the City Council has concluded that the City will be able to keep the doors open at two libraries thanks to improving sales tax returns and budget savings across the City.
With this decision, the Fort Worth Library will maintain full management of the Northside and Ridglea branch libraries, and the libraries will remain open at their normal hours at a cost of roughly $620,000.
Mayor Mike Moncrief said he and the entire City Council shared the concerns from residents about reducing library hours or completely closing the two branches. He was pleased that the City Council and staff found a way to maintain library services.
“The local economy is improving, and this week we heard more good news with respect to our sales tax numbers,” Moncrief said. “The City Council believes that, with the recent boost to the reserve fund, it was appropriate to use some of this money to keep these libraries open through this fiscal year. Looking ahead, we’ve asked city staff to take a hard look at how we might fund these libraries in the future.
