Until late yesterday (February 12) I had no inkling there was any controversy relating to the Lyon County Library System.
However, if today’s content of my email inbox is any indication, it now appears there is a raging storm of rumors being spread claiming/charging the County Manager and County Commissioners want to close the library branches – citing them as non-essential services.
First, let me note that I have not been privy to any budget talk information; however, I can assure you, to this point, there have been no discussions at a commissioner meeting in regards to specific cost cutting measures. There have been no votes, or even any hint at a decision, relating to the cutting of specific county services. In fact, the first public general budget discussion is scheduled for the upcoming February 18, 2010 commission meeting.
Update:
In a phone conversation at about 3:30PM today (February 13), Stark confirmed the general opinion of this commentary. He said there is no truth to the rumors that he and the commissioners are specifically considering closing the libraries. The libraries are just one of a number of things on a list being considered for discussion – including senior centers, road department, et al. He noted, “The board will scrutinize every area. They have not made up their minds on anything.” He also reiterated that the budget will be under discussion at Thursday’s commission meeting.
What has been reported and discussed at commissioner meetings on a regular basis are: the dire financial condition Lyon County is in; and, references to the tough decisions that will have to be made during the upcoming budget process. The bi-weekly reports and updates by the County Comptroller offer a factual summary of various tax and fee revenues in relation to the revenue projections in the 2009/10 budget.
For the uninformed, all budgets are based on projected revenues, which are generally based on past history of revenues received, growth, state of the economy, et al. When the actual revenues fall short of the projections, the projected/planned expenditures must also be adjusted - or additional revenue sources found. The state government and all Nevada counties are facing similar, if not worse, fiscal woes. The upcoming Special Session of the State Legislature will be addressing the state’s budget woes.
I would ask all of those concerned about the status of the Lyon County Library budget to take a deep breath and wait to see what, in actuality, is proposed. Every County department and every County employee is equally on edge, wondering how/if the inevitable cuts will affect them
At this point, the estimated revenue shortfall for Lyon County’s 2009/10 budget is close to $4 million. This continues the downward trend of the past 2-3 years and can no longer be addressed with short-term, band-aid type measures....putting off the inevitable, really tough decisions. The shortfalls are increasing in amount each year. Something has to give!!
The Lyon County Commissioners have some difficult, heart-wrenching decisions ahead of them; however, before anyone jumps to unfounded conclusions, I suggest you save the letters, emails and phone calls until you have some well-founded information to base your arguments on.
Think about it.
Nancy Dallas, Editor/Publisher
NewsDesk (Founded January 2003)
