LAVALE — Despite budget problems that for months have threatened to close some county libraries, all branches will remain open.
The Allegany County Library System’s Board of Trustees approved that measure at its regular meeting at the LaVale branch Monday.
However, a move for the board to approve the latest draft of a fiscal 2026 budget for the library system died for lack of a second motion.
The financial plan contained compromises necessary to address a $122,000 deficit and balance the budget, including changes to staff health insurance that the library system piggybacks from the county, which would be set to rise by roughly 16%.
“We cannot afford that,” said John Taube, the library system’s executive director.
He said the system’s administration found another plan that’s less expensive yet comparable to the county’s.
That plan would include a 3.7% increase, which is roughly 12.3% less than the county’s deal, Taube said.
It would require an annual deductible per individual to rise from the current $250 to $800.
“This is (the) best plan that we can afford,” he said, adding that if the library system leaves the county’s plan, there’s probably no going back.
Taube said the library system is grateful the county will continue its financial support in the next budget cycle.
Allegany County commissioners allocated the library system $1,097,563 for fiscal 2025, and that amount will remain the same for next year’s budget cycle.
Under the proposal, each branch will lose one day of public service with George’s Creek and Westernport branches alternating days.
The suggested schedule would allow the system to minimize the number of staffers needed, Taube said.
George’s Creek would gain Saturday hours to facilitate visitors for its Lefty Grove display.
Three of seven part-time branch staff positions would be eliminated, and others, including a delivery driver and human relations positions, would see reduced work hours.
A security guard position at the South Cumberland branch would be cut.
Additionally, “we’ve eliminated the annual bonuses” and three of four cellphone accounts,” Taube said.
Staff service awards will also be removed.
The draft includes a 5% wage increase for staff that earns “less than the livable wage.”
Areas of the proposal questioned by some board members and residents at the meeting included termination of flood insurance for the Westernport branch, which lost most of its contents to storm waters last week, but is believed to be structurally sound.
The Westernport branch remains closed as cleanup from the flood is underway.
The branch’s flood insurance policy is due to renew in February, Taube said, adding that the library system could explore grants to cover the cost.
He said funding for a contracted grants writer position is included in the proposed financial plan.
Additionally, the library system will explore whether it could use the county’s grant writer services.
The library system will hold its next meeting at the LaVale branch from 4 to 8 p.m. June 10.
Ashley Swinford, director of marketing and outreach for the library system, said circulation of books increased by 26% over April 2024 at all locations, which include Frostburg, George’s Creek, LaVale, South Cumberland, Westernport and Washington Street.
For the same time period comparison, user registration was down 14%, computer sessions increased by 16% and program attendees were up 17%.
“Every branch saw growth,” she said of activity since April 2024. “The digital resources continue to grow as well.”
Lonaconing Mayor Jack Coburn said he was happy all branches will remain open.
He thanked community members, including Walmart for support after “our library took a very strong beating” from last week’s flood and many area residents remain without water service.
Vicky Brenneman said library supporters have been valiant.
“We are willing to work,” she said.