Speakers

Speakers

Budget It

By SHARON KILPATRICK

Rappahannock New* Staff Writer

Nine of the people who spoke at the Board of Supervisors’ public hearing on the county budget supported the Library Board’s request for a $4,870 increase in county funding to $41,705.

Three spoke in favor of the request of the Fire and Rescue Association for an increase in the county contribution of nearly $13,000 to almost $129,000, and three opposed the 24 percent tax increase to 62 cents per hundred for real estate.

Dade Metzinger said he and his wife had supported the library for 22 years. “We have been thankful that several people have been instrumental in the progress made in the library in those 22 years,” Col. Metzinger said. He added that the library serves all age groups.

Ruth Richards said that she had learned that the librarian’s salary is below that of a starting teacher. If the library budget is approved, the librarian’s salary can be brought to the level of a starting teacher, she said. “She (librarian Nicki Lynch) does a tremendous job; I hope you accept the budget,” Mrs. Richards added.

John Hartline, a member of the Library Board, said that volunteers contribute time to the library that would be worth $24,000 a year at $6 per hour. He said that library usage has increased. He said if the Board of Supervisors approves the library’s request, county spending for the library will amount to about $6.30 per person.

Elizabeth Johnson said since she has been working as a volunteer in the library, she is “amazed at the way the library is used.” She said the books are particularly important to little children. “You can hardly get them to give you the book long enough to stamp it,” she added. “We have something of which the county can be proud. It deserves our support.”

Library Board member Frank Warner said the supervisors should hold the Library Board accountable. “Give us the hinds we need, and we’ll do a good job,” he added.

Holly May said, “We’re lucky to have the caliber of staff we do have. It’s frightening to think that we could lose that quality staff because of a lack of salaries or lack of funding.”

Steve Slade, another Library Board member, said the county library has “an excellent efficient management.”

Waldron O’Connor also supported the library request saying, “The library is of inestimable value. I’d hate to see any reduction in the life blood of the county.”