Created: 9/9/2009 11:47:55 AM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- The City Council's Finance Committee wrapped up its work to cut city spending with several neighborhood libraries getting the budget axe with reduced hours.
The Committee voted to trim library spending by $685,000.
That decision directly impacts six libraries: Bradham-Brooks Northwest, Brentwood, Brown Eastside, Maxville, Murray Hill and Westbrook.
Those libraries will be open 130 fewer hours each week if the recommendation is approved by the full council.
Crystal Alexander says she visits the Brown Eastside library just about every day.
"This is where everybody come at, do homework, job search, print out stuff," said Alexander, who prefers the current hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Councilman Dr. Johnny Gaffney opposed reducing hours. Two of the affected libraries are in his district. "As I said, I am appalled. I was embarrassed because of it," he said following today's finance meeting.
The Finance Committee, in wrapping up its work, sees leaner times ahead.
Chairman Stephen Joost said deeper cuts will have to be made next year unless the economy changes.
"When I say significant we are talking in the $60-70 million range if property taxes fall another six or seven percent, pension obligations go up. Our work has really just begun," said Joost in parting remarks to the committee.
This year's city budget will be reviewed one more time by the City Council at a special meeting on September 17. Council President Richard Clark says he expects some departments will make a case to have some of their funding restored.
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