Like many government agencies across the country, the Elbert County Library District has been impacted by the economic downturn. The District's proposed 2010 budget is based on total operating and non-operating revenue of $825,039, a decrease of 7.3% from 2009. The decrease is driven primarily by an expected $27,144 (3.8%) decrease in property tax collections and a $25,000 (19.2%) decrease in Specific Ownership Taxes (SOT). The budget has been adjusted accordingly to address these changes in revenue.

Compensation and benefits will decrease by $25,557 or 4.4%; as a result:

• Personnel will not receive a raise in 2010.
• Personnel hours before and after regular library operational hours have been eliminated, resulting in an aggregate saving of 12 hours per week in staff time for all four branches; this has been reallocated to staff during regular library hours.
• A new health insurance program will reduce related costs.
Materials and supplies decreased by $7,512, or 6.1%; as a result:

• We have achieved some reductions in database costs, marketing and office supplies.
• The budget for books and media will remain the same as 2009. An important part of the Library’s mission, it is important to maintain a strong collection.
Purchased services decreased by $24,731, or 21.5%; as a result:

• Internet costs have decreased $8,000, mostly because the Kiowa Library has moved from the State of Colorado-provided service to local Comcast Broadband for Businesses.
• Computer hardware will decrease $5,000, or 50.0%.
• Professional services will decrease $20,000, or 60.0%.
• Utility costs will increase with the addition of the new library building at 651 W. Beverly Street.
• Planned Uses of Appropriated Reserves decreased $505,769, or 50.4%, primarily as a result of the lower lease-purchase payment of $115,000 for the new library building which is funded from existing capital reserves.

The District uses a cash basis method of accounting.

The mission of the Elbert County Library District is to provide the materials, programs, expertise and facilities to support the cultural, educational, and leisure activities of our diverse communities.

2010 proposed Budget document