Nonprofits and agencies affiliated with local government presented their budget requests to Athens-Clarke County’s mayor and commission last week.
Five different agencies presented details on their budget requests for the upcoming fiscal year, which will begin in July.
The Athens Regional Library System is partially funded by local government. The library system’s new executive director, Beth McIntyre, presented their request of over $3 and a half million, a $287,000 increase from the amount granted last year.
McIntyre said the funding would be used to raise salaries of employees as well as cover health insurance costs.
“Athens-Clarke County residents love their libraries, and they’re using them more than ever. Over 275,000 people walked through our doors last year. Many departments remain understaffed, and our team is increasingly called on to manage challenging situations,” McIntyre said.
A new library on the East side of Athens is expected to break ground in the fall. McIntyre explained that requests for funding staff positions at that library will be submitted next year.
“The state doesn’t provide money for staffing. Staffing is local funds,” McIntyre said.
The mayor’s recommended budget, which was released in late April, would create a shortfall of over $35,000 compared to the library system’s request. During a work session in March, Acting County Manager Brad Griffin predicted a leaner county budget for the upcoming year.
The Commission will pass the budget in early June.
