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Diane Wood said she understood the supervisors face a tough decision, and added the library “is a continuing learning place. It is a massive resource for us. I’m so proud of that incredible little building on the hill. It is an ideal community place, open to people of every race and every creed and more important every educational background.”

Hampton District representative Mike Massie asked Library Board Chairman William Young what would happen if the supervisors cut the library’s request by $2,000. Dr. Young answered, “Then we would be $2,000 short.” He added that the library might be able to get some of the $1,700 for furniture out of the state grant for the computer project.

Paul Poling said he asked the supervisors for “careful consideration” of the Fire and Rescue Association budget.

When Mr. Massie asked him why the county should pay for insurance policies giving each squad $5 million in liability coverage, Mr. Poling said that way a catastrophe for one company wouldn’t affect the others.

Frank Huff also supported the association request. He said, “The folks in the community have come to expect the level of service we now maintain.”

Donald Gore also supported the association request saying state required training places a lot of demand on the squads.

Newbill Miller said, ‘Our biggest problem is taxes at all levels, local state and national. If taxes don’t quit escalating, this country is not going to come out of the recession. I’m opposed to the increased taxes.”

John Proper said the supervisors should ballance the budget “within the current means. Taxes are far too high for the nation to survive. We need to find new creative ways to hold the line on spending.”

Sherron Proper said she was concerned that taxes force people to leave their homes. She said many elderly people in need don’t qualify for the tax relief program because they own too much property. “It concerns me that people have to move to another county because of taxes.”