Three Middletown Library Branches Likely Closing
The Middletown Library Board will meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 19 at the Library’s main branch on 55 New Monmouth Road. The meeting is open to the public. If you care about your Library, you will not want to miss this opportunity to help shape its future as service cuts loom. See the meeting agenda here.
A lot has gone on with regard to our Library over the last two years. In 2011, under pressure to do so, the Library Board agreed to transfer $499,947 of Library funds to the Township. That was followed in mid-2012 by an unexpected, and potentially excessive, increase of several hundred thousand in the amount charged by the Township for services it handles on the Library’s behalf. There were also significant changes to the Library Board’s membership this year.
The Library’s primary source of funding comes from its municipal appropriation. The minimum funding level, established by law, is based on equalized valuations for properties in the Township. The municipal appropriation is $3,470,977 for 2013 and has declined almost $700,000 since 2009 in line with reduced property values. Prior to the 2011 transfer of funds to the Township, the Library had about $1.3 million in reserves. That may sound like a lot, but it is clear how quickly revenue reductions and expense increases can change the Library’s financial picture. Reserves are necessary to maintain the level of services from year to year, and are also set aside for capital improvements. I am not sure of the amount of reserves available now. It may be a few hundred thousand, but that is hardly enough if funding levels continue to drop and extraordinary expenses – such as replacement of aging air conditioning and heating units – arise.
http://www.lincroftvillagegreen.org/pdf/LibraryBudgetFACTS_FINAL.pdf
As mentioned above, the Township handles certain functions for the Library, mainly payroll, benefits, and insurance coverages. The Library reimburses the Township for these “chargebacks”, a common arrangement for many towns. For 2012, the Township significantly increased the amount of the chargeback for the year by $338,493, representing more than a 30% increase from the prior year, as spelled out in the following letter to the Library Board this June:
http://ia601209.us.archive.org/25/items/MiddletownTownshipChargebackLetter6712/DOC062112.pdf
My review of the 2012 chargeback analysis uncovered significant overcharges for certain line items. For a detailed explanation, see the letter I wrote on this topic: http://archive.org/details/DivisionOfLocalGovernmentServicesLetter
It is important to scrutinize the 2012 chargeback calculation because inaccuracies may perpetuate into future years. Unfortunately, the Library trustees quickly approved the chargeback without asking questions or demanding answers, even after errors were brought to their attention.
The Township determines the chargeback amount annually and removes that amount from the Library’s municipal appropriation monies under the Township’s control. (This year some monies also came from the Library’s other funds, like fines & copier fees, to pay the bill.) Historically, the Library has little say in the determination of the chargeback, has never not paid the chargeback, and has received little supporting documentation for any year to verify the accuracy of the amount charged. In spite of that, Township officials are now claiming that the Library did not pay its share of pension costs for one or more prior years. This accusation is unfair since the chargeback calculation was not within the Library’s control. Further, if a line item breakdown of costs was not provided for prior years – and I don’t believe one was – the Library would have no way of knowing what costs were included in the total charge. Regardless, it is not clear to me what this issue has to do with the 2012 chargeback calculation, unless the intent is to justify excessive charges this year, which only leads to more questions about the accuracy of charges in prior years.
Something else I would like to shed light on are the Library employee raises that Township Committee members have been critical of. The 6% raises were per the 2007 library employees’ contract, running 2007-2009. The contract broke ground in that it included a contribution toward health benefits of 2% of salary. Library employees were the first in the Township to start paying toward their health benefits, ahead of police unions who began paying 1.5% in 2010 and other Township employees who began contributing 1.5% in 2011. The raises were also intended to bring library salaries to competitive levels in order to attract qualified individuals. Library employees received no raise in 2010, 1% in 2011, and 1% in 2012, and they continue to pay 2% toward health benefits, still more than other employees in the Township.
It is unfortunate that out Library and its dedicated Director, Susan O’Neal, have been the target of harsh and unfair criticism by Township officials. Our Library has been run successfully for many years under Ms. O’Neal’s leadership, keeping up with changing technology and providing programs that serve residents’ needs. Monies have been well managed and savings had been accumulated as required to ensure ongoing operations. But in spite of that, the Library – its Director – has been accused of not being able to live within a budget. That is absurd. We are very lucky to have Ms. O’Neal, who is regarded as being at the top of her field and who had the high honor last year of serving as president of the New Jersey Library Association.
Ms. O’Neal had the additional responsibility this year of providing training for 8 new board members -- 7 are new Township appointees and 1 is the School Superintendent's pick. The new appointments were for various reasons, including term expirations, resignations, and an increase in the size of the Board. The Board consisted of 7 seats prior to 2012. The Township Committee added two seats to the Library Board this year, increasing membership from 7 to 9. Thus, the Board was re-structured in a short amount of time.
In response to criticism over political interference in Library operations, Township elected officials have said that the Library is part of Township and that they would not do anything to harm it. However, I don’t think anyone can argue that the siphoning of nearly $500K in 2011 and the excessive chargeback in 2012 have harmed the Library, already strained by declining revenues and now facing big cuts that include branch closures, reductions in operating hours, and layoffs.
I hope this post helps residents to better understand the issues that may be addressed at Wednesday night’s meeting.
Tony Fiore
8:27 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
In three separate meetings with the Library Director and the finance committee (one as recent as two weeks ago), it has been determined that these "charge backs" that you infer are excessive are indeed appropriate. The largest of these were for pension contributions that were not coming out of the library budget but were being paid for by the municipal budget. These are the costs for the employees of the library and must be born by the library budget not the municipal budget. I can't answer as to why the Township Committees of the past did not recognize that the library board was running on a budget that was legitimately inflated by $338k. I cannot further understand why they would allow the municipal budget and the taxpayers of Middletown to absorb this cost while the library spent this and all other money that was appropriated. What I can tell you is that based on my conversations with the Director, there is no doubt that whoever prepared and approved their budget knew full well that they were not paying the true costs of their employees. To her credit, the Director has not disputed that these costs should be born by the library for their employees. Contrary to what you may want the public to believe Ms. Baum, the library Board of Trustees has been running a budget well in excess of their revenue. The $500k they gave back would have only netted $160k if they were paying the appropriate costs for their employees from the start. That type of budgeting is unacceptable
Tony Fiore
8:33 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
It is a shame that the previous board and the previous leadership was incapable of running a budget based on their appropriate allocation. That type of excessive and reckless spending is exactly why those members were not re-appointed and new trustees were appointed. As for your complaint to the Division of Local Government, that was already denied based on the merit of your claims. I also find it amusing how you skirt the issue of surplus. Schools carry 2% surplus in thier budget. The Township carries about 6%. The proposed library surplus is well in excess of both numbers. So I ask, do the branches really need to close or is the library director choosing to close them because she refuses to cut spending in other areas or to use surplus? That is the question that should be asked.
Linda Baum
9:27 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Mr. Fiore, forgive me if I am not satisfied by your disclaimer that the chargebacks were appropriate when you have failed to answer even the most basic questions about the numbers. Why is it you are happy to post here but not respond directly to questions? That is no way to serve the public. I won't bother asking again here because I know you will provide the detail I’ve requested.
Regarding the pension costs, if you are going to make a statement that they were not charged back in prior years, can you provide a line item breakdown that shows how prior years' total chargebacks were calculated? Further, can I assume then, that those costs, and any others that are being charged back to the library from its municipal appropriation and are supposedly no longer part of the municipal budget, will show line item reductions in the municipal budget for the portion of costs attributed to the Library? Else the municipal budget will be inflated.
The members of the library finance committee were easily misled, I'm sure, at your early December meeting because they lack expertise on the insurance issues I raised. And like you, the finance committee members have not provided basic answers either.
Linda Baum
9:27 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Regarding library budgeting, unlike Twp revenue, Library revenue fluctuates up and down. If decisions are made to use money as it becomes available to improve services, there is nothing wrong with that. Reserves were set aside for continued operations. Prior boards had no trouble budgeting, both maintaining and improving services, until the Twp chose to interfere. Budgets and decisions of the past were in line with revenue and expenses at the time and in line with future projections. I'm sure had former boards had early notice years ago of what would transpire now, decisions then would have reflected that knowledge. So your math doesn't hold.
Linda Baum
9:41 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Mr. Fiore, I didn’t "skirt the issue of surplus", but addressed it very clearly. As all Middletown residents know, municipal and school tax revenue has only gone up each year. These entities have the ability to raise their tax revenue if they need to, where the library does not, unless the Twp chooses to allot more than the requiured minimum appropriation. As I have stated, Library revenue fluctuates up and down with property valuations. Fluctuations in revenue require that there be surplus – yes, significant surplus – to maintain steady operating revenues from year to year. And as you know, Mr. Fiore, by law public libraries are allowed to keep reserves equal to 20% of their budget, not counting reserves set aside for capital projects.
bd
4:31 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Again, an answer riddled with facts.................how can we argue in platitudes if all you do is use these fact thingies.
Middletowney
8:35 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Merging is the way of the world to save money for taxpayers. Access to the Internet, books on-line and a fabulous County library and school libraries fill any void these closing may bring about. I'm for the closings to save money. I'm surprised they have not closed sooner
Linda Baum
10:13 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Middletowney, some of our local school libraries are being downsized to use the room for classroom space, increasing the need for public libraries. Lincroft School is one such example.
tom nemec
4:46 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
I second you Middletowney, how do we get the ball rolling on this?We should be part of the Monmouth Library System.... After all its our taxes that pay for everything. Lets use our money wisely.
Public&privatesector
8:54 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Township employees are contributing more then 2% of there salaries since July 2011. They pay a percentage of the premium based on their salary.
Linda Baum
10:29 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Yes, the rule is 1.5% or salary OR percent of premium that varies with salary range and coverage tier, whichever is greater. Per discussion with Twp staff, most Twp employees are paying the 1.5% currently.
ASimon
9:33 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
I wonder why the public was not advised of these library closings BEFORE the election? The quality of life in Middletown has been steadily chipped away in recent years and now it's being done with a hatchet.
Tony Fiore
9:45 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Ms. Baum,
Clearly the Division of Local Government agrees with the Township's position based on their response to my office. As for your questions, there has never been a question that you have asked that I haven't answered. However, there has never been an answer that you've liked and haven't tried to distort. If you want to take a position that the Library should be allowed to continue to operate above revenue, you have the right. If you believe the Township budget should cover expenses of the library above the municipal allocation you also have that right.
I don't believe that employees should be paid double time for Sunday hours when they can have shifts staggered. I don't believe that employees should have been given 6% annual raises at the library prior to the last contract despite the economic climate. I don't believe that the library should allow employees to travel out of state to conferences and rack up ridiculous travel expenses. These and many others actions of the previous board have now come due. Your arguments are clearly not in line with the will of the people as indicated in the vote tallies on November 6th.
Linda Baum
10:54 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Mr. Fiore, as usual your comments lack specifics and cast suspicion.
I spoke to Mr Seneski at DLGS and it's clear he lacks the interest, time, expertise, and possibly the independence to address the points in my letter. Nice you got a response to my letter. I didn't. Not from either of you.
Naomi Carter
11:05 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Mr. Fiore, if you'd done your homework you would know that no library employee gets double time on Sundays or any days for that matter. You are merely trying to sway people to your thinking which is not accurate. Also, the people that say we shuold go county fail to realize that the library line item on your Middletown taxes will just shift to the county library line item so there is really no savings. Additionally, people from all over Monmouth County wil be able to use our materials, computers, programs,etc so those holds lists on library items will only grow longer.. Beside which, where will the TC have to steal reserves from to try and balance their books?
Linda Baum
9:56 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Mr. Fiore, can we arrange a public forum where questions and answers can be exchanged freely? Open discussion would be refreshing and much more constructive.
tom nemec
4:33 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
I would love and open public forum on the question to join the Monmouth county library system and we can get better access and pooled resources not to mention access to a much much larger catalog of books and periodicals than we have now. .
Gary Junstrom
11:04 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
I for one, am glad to see the town cracking down on the free for all at the library. Why should they be treated any different than any other department? I could run that place on half the money that they whiz away. I've been in there at times, when there are more librarians than there are customers. To top it off I read that they actually gave them a 6% raise one year!!!! The rest of us in the real world, if we even have jobs, haven't gotten a raise in years. This nonsense of "save our library" is the same dopey rhetoric that they trot out every time the school budget is up for a vote, you know, "vote yes, it's for the children" and that stupid stuff. I say, if they don't change their tune and start to run that place with some fiscal restraint, then close it down and use the county library. Or better yet, use the internet - there are more books, magazines, journals on line than you can read in ten lifetimes and more being added every day. The taxpayers would save a ton of money and not miss a beat.
njx
12:27 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Agree completely. I think the average Middletown citizen would say "library employees get a pension AND a raise? Really?" Sorry, but pensions have gone the way of the dodo bird in the private sector. We can't afford it for public workers. That is just the way it is. If I don't get a pension, why should I pay taxes to give someone else a pension?
Besides, this is a digital world. I barely go to the library anymore, and I'm an avid reader. The job of "librarian" is doomed to extinction. No different than a Pony Express rider, or a newspaper typesetter. That is simply reality.
07748
11:16 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
If the director of the library has not raised any objections to branches closing it seems obvious why she has not. She can see the writing on the wall. The township is stacking the board with hand picked hatchet men/women who will replace our fine director is she does not go along with them.
Socrates
10:52 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
It seems to be that the Township Committee is being particularly heavy-handed in their dealings with the gem we know as our Public Library. The nearly $500,000 "transfer" last year was made under the threat of abandoning our own local library and joining the county system, one that doesn't provide the important local services we now have. And it seems to me that talk of only the 6% salary increase while ignoring the prior 0%, 1%, and 1% and the contribution towards insurance is picking only some of the facts to stack the deck. I also recall the Township Committee pressuring Mr. Gabrielan to resign as chairperson of the Library Board when he resisted the $500,00 transfer by claiming his signing of a purchase order for his own book was a huge scandal. Next, they removed all the library Trustees and appointed those who would not buck the Committee but do what they were told. Closing libraries is a drastic measure. And it looks like it is more of the "my way or the highway" in Middletown. What a shame.
Linda Baum
11:37 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Since the mention of Mr. Gabrielan's name may spur a slew of comments and ugly accusations, I refer folks to the following link for the truth of the matter:
http://www.middletowndemocrat.org/baum20120419.html
Dave
12:32 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
I hate to be the one to say what most people certainly are thinking in the back of their minds, but the library that we group up with is really losing it necessity and value in the modern world. If we can cut three branches, while still keeping others open, Im all for it. Im sure we have budget money that can be used in a more productive manner. Don't allow me to belittle the needs of libraries, because they still play a roll in modern education and society, but the need has dropped over the past couple decandes thanks to the internet. Yes, this is a harsh truth, but a truth nonetheless.
Joe
12:41 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
I have to agree with the mayor and other posters who have said enough to the wild spending of the library. It's about time they were reined in. The director should not be allowed to live large on the taxpayer's dime. I am outraged that for all these years, the township has been picking up the tab for things that the library should have been paying for. If anything, the library owes the taxpayers a whole lot of chargebacks. Double time for Sundays, 6% raises, travel expenses???? What kind of travel, did the director take a flight from the Bayshore branch to the Lincroft branch? Go get em mayor, and don't stop until that place is straightened out.
Maureen
1:54 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
I cannot believe that they would think of closing the Lincroft Branch. The hours it is opened are already hard for people who work to get there. There are people who still read who like to go to a library and get books. Actually since the township has interfered with the running of the library, it has gone down hill in its services. I hope that they keep all the branches open for people who work and find it hard to get to the main library.
07748
3:08 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
If the town really wants to save money they should focus their energies on the Arts Center. If the taxpayers knew how much it cost to run this operation they would be up in arms.
Jesse
4:46 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
I'm with you 07748: close the Arts Center! What a waste of money!
tom nemec
4:30 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
PLEASE PLEASE, can we just join the Monmouth county library system.
WE will have much better and larger variety of resources.
The people should be allowed to vote on this.
Linda Baum
12:46 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Actually, in order to join the county library system, a public referendum would be required, or at least that is common opinion by those with knowledge on the matter. But as another commenter said, there may be no savings from it, and we need to consider both the benefits and disadvantages. Myself and others are working to gather information to understand the process and the numbers, and I will post on it when I have a better grasp of the details.
tom nemec
8:33 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
It would benefit us greatly if we were part of the Monmouth system.
tom nemec
4:42 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Its even cheaper to print from the computers in the Monmouth system. The cultural events are high quality also. There is just more of a variety for everyone.
Being part of the Monmouth System really JUST MAKES SENSE!!
Naomi Carter
11:12 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Tom, there will be no savings by joining the Monmouth County Library System and there will actually be more competition for the items we have, not to mention the kids' programs and the public access computers. I use the computer/printer at Middletown all the time and 20 cents a page for color copy is a bargain. we'll be lucky to get a computer if you open the floodgate to all the neighboring townspeople who now have to pay $1 to use our computers as visitors. If the county was so great, then why are their hours so awful at the town branches that require these people to come to our library? You won't be saving any money on your taxes and we'd still have to pay for the upkeep of the building as it is a Middletown building.
tom nemec
8:31 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
There is always a benefit to consolidate resources. We would have the use of all the other library's. We would have many more opportunities to take books out. I never experienced a long wait for a book at Monmouth. Middletown yes. very long wait due to limited resources. We would have much much better kids programs and cultural events. just look at Monmouth county library events page. The things middletown has now are not very good. PLEASE PLEASE check your facts. Monmouth county libraries are open the same hours as represented itself the hours would change. Some are closed Sundays but its just not feasible to to keep them open if no one is going to them. The area they are in im positive that if the people wanted them open they would be. That is if enough people felt they needed the library at those times. Not one person who wants to use the energy so they can sit it a comfy chair.
ALSO its only 15 cents a copy in the Monmouth System. Your right... we would still be paying for it through our taxes....WHY NOT get our moneys worth , more resources and much larger variety of books and places to go read them ..
so dumb
4:56 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
books bad walmart should take overlow salaries no pensions they can deliver the mail also pick up garbage than we can really save money
Naomi Carter
9:52 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
Obviously, Tom, you don't use the Middletown Library as you don't know what you'e talking about when it comes to library programs. There is a plethora of programs for kids, seniors, teens, and those unemployed on a weekly basis. Based upon the populations served, Monmouth County Library's programs are spread throughout their branches so we actually provide more programs in a week than Monmouth County does. Sounds like you're just a mouthpiece of the board. again, it won't benefit Middletown residents to go county but it will certainly benefit Monmouth County residents. Middletown will have to share with tons more people and still pay the same for library taxes only this time the line item with be for the county and not Middletown. Friends of mine who are part of the county system say that the hours are so limited at their town branches, they have to go to ours or all the way to one of the county headquarters (Shrewsbury or Manalapan) if their children have reports requiring actual books. Believe it or not, teachers and schools stil require the use of tangible books. i find it funny that you supposedly owna county card and a Middletown card yet talk about wanting to save money. you'd have to have paid for one of those library cards. Lastly, Union Beach did provide and pay for the dumpsters for residents to use to dispose of their storm-damaged things.
Joe
5:24 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
@Maureen - they wouldn't be talking about closing the branches if the director didn't spend money like it was water. A six percent raise, travel expenses - what planet is she on? Thank God the mayor and town council is putting a stop to this.
michael miller
9:15 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Everyone is missing the point here. The mayor does nothing for the taxpayers here. He does nothing about bringing revinue in this community. And if it is, it's all corporation companies who pay their workers minimum wages. Look at the bakery in Belford, look at the hot dog place in Belford. The hot dog place has been waiting since the begining of Oct. for the CO from Middletown. Look at Sonic they built that place over night. Why don't they put a coffee bar in the libraries and that money go to the budget only? I'm sorry that is a common since idea to improve the community.
michael miller
9:18 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
This mayor is lazy. He did nothing for the Sandy Victims. His words were let the home owners get a dumpster themselves. When everyone was at the Fema meeting a few weeks ago and the press was there that was when the mayor decided to cleanup after Sandy. If the liararies close, I will go over to the Hazlet Library and give them my business.
Joe
2:46 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
@michael miller - if your spelling and grammar are the result of the Middletown Library branches, maybe it is better that they close. Just my "common since" observation.
Gary Junstrom
9:01 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Michael Miller, what you said was false. I was at that meeting and what the mayor said was that Middletown was one of the few towns who removed debris for its residents. He said most towns had people rent their own dumpsters because FEMA would reimburse them. Another false thing you said was that the mayor is lazy. Are you kidding? I got dozens of texts, calls, and internet updates from the mayor at all hours of the day and night. I saw the mayor several times at Croydon Hall, town hall and the Port Monmouth fire house. Saying such blatantly false things will only hurt your credibility.
Tony Fiore
9:16 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
Thank you Gary. I am not even going to dignify that stupid response regarding the Superstorm. As for the Library, I attended the meeting the other night. As much as I don't like it the Director made a clear case that the usage at the 3 branches combined is only 11%. 6% usage in Lincroft, 3% in Bayshore and 2% in Navesink. The Director has recommended closing those branches and further stated that is she was starting a new library system today, she would not open branches. While there is still money left in surplus to run these branches, it is hard to argue the board's position that the storm is going to have an impact on the rateable base for Middletown and can cause a further reduction in their statutory allocation. I want to make it clear that it is not my nor the Township Committee's position or decision to close these branches. However, I do not believe that we are in any position to challenge their decision as it seems economically prudent based on the economy and the usage.
bd
3:55 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012
Exactly----there is going to be a very rude awakening for many, many folks very soon. WE----all of us in Milhous's Amerikka---are broke. Middletown, NJ and even Mordor on the Potomac will have to drastically cut spending---because we spent all of ours, our children's, and even our grandchildren's money and now the bill is due. All those nice, shiny presents that Barak-o-clause promised you aren't coming folks---because there's no more money in the account.
(but--we can tax the "rich" to buy us 8 more days---then what?????)
tom nemec
10:07 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
NAOMI First i self for my self. As you have read in my post i did not call anyone names so if you wish to continue this discussion please refrain from accusations or Insinuate. Yes i do use middletown library often. I also research. theAlso as for hours i wish you would look at the Monmouth county website and you and anyone else can see they have better hours than ours if not exact. Also when i have time i will go through the calendar of both and do a comparison chart if you would like as anyone else can do by going to monmouth county website and seeing first hand what is offered.