http://66.225.205.104/Lm20100614.mp3
The leaders of several towns in Mecklenburg County met today to discuss how much money to contribute to the library system. They told library officials they will only give if their town branches stay open. Cornelius, Mint Hill, Davidson and Matthews are in something of a predicament. The library system may have to close branches because of deep county budget cuts, but it's not clear which libraries are on the chopping block. Library leaders have asked the City of Charlotte and the towns in Mecklenburg County to help fill the gap. Charlotte says it will, but only if the towns help too. Mint Hill Mayor Ted Biggers says he's willing, but only if the Mint Hill branch stays open. "We are already paying county taxes that support the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system so the citizens see it if we're asked to give more funds that's double taxation," says Biggers. "We'd be looked upon foolishly if we were to give a major donation to the library system and then they close our branch down." The same sentiment was echoed by Cornelius, Davidson and Matthews' leaders. The tentative plan is that those towns would give $175,000 each, but most of that would be a loan. Library Board Vice Chairman Bob Sink said the board hasn't decided which community branches may close. He says if board members vote to close one of the town branches, it wouldn't expect the town to contribute. Town leaders asked library officials for another meeting next week and they want more specifics. Library officials are working on a plan that would keep current branches open, but with reduced hours.