In budget talks, council cool to more library cuts
As it began reviewing a proposed city budget, Pittsfield’s City Council sent a clear message to Mayor James M. Ruberto: spend more money on Pittsfield’s public library.
While the proposed spending plan reflects a $4.2 million increase over the current budget of $122.7 million, funding to the Berkshire Athenaeum would be cut by $58,000. Director Ronald Latham said the reduction would result in less money to staff the children’s section and buy new books and other materials.
The library already is reeling from the $74,000 reduction the council adopted last June for fiscal 2010. Latham was forced to close the facility for four hours early on Monday, limit the use of staff, and curtail the purchase of books and certain reference publications.
A petition of 414 citizens in November urged the mayor to restore the $74,000, but the request was denied. However, during Tuesday’s budget hearing, the City Council voted 7-4 against any further spending cuts at the Athenaeum.
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