Budget cuts force layoff at Monroe Public Library

For the first time this year, administrators at the Monroe County Public Library have been forced to downsize because of decreases in revenue and budget cuts. \nTwo weeks ago, John Anderson was relieved from his position as associate director. For 26 years, his duties included children and adult services and circulation. He was also the head of the Ellettsville branch. Anderson, who was unavailable for comment, worked with a second associate director, Cass Owens, a senior to Anderson. Owens will now report Anderson's duties to library director Cynthia Gray. \nThe primary reasons for the layoff involved a diminishing budget, but the hiring of a chief financial officer for 2006 also contributed, Gray said. \n"We've consistently seen a pattern of reduced taxes," Gray said. "We're losing $100,000 to $150,000 a year now. It's not necessarily new. Everybody experiences an economic crunch. We hope the new CFO will help alleviate the problem."\nThe administration will likely undergo reorganization in the future because of monetary losses. Some moves would be the incorporation of a more collaborative structure. \n"We're re-evaluating who reports to whom," Gray said. "We might take a team approach and form cluster departments."\nAnderson's work ethic was not taken into consideration when the decision was made to release him. Collection Services Manager Elaina Kintgen said the layoff was not performance-based. \n"I have known John for about 20 years," Kintgen said. "I knew him before he worked here because his sons and my sons played basketball and baseball together. He was a very good worker and a very personable guy." \nThe future is uncertain as to other changes in the library. Programs and services have not been cut in a dramatic fashion, but some departments have been affected. The book count, for example, has been reduced. \n"We have tried to restore things that had been cut to the bone," Gray said. "We maintain what we think we need."\nCurrently, there are no other layoffs planned for the year. Gray emphasized how layoffs can be bad for both employees and the remaining staff. \n"(Anderson) was a good team player," she said. "He was well thought of and very respected." \nWhen asked how other employees are dealing with Anderson's dismissal, Gray described it as a "reality shock to everyone." \n"It was a matter of taking stock," she said. "It's never easy to see a co-worker have to leave, but hopefully both parties will adapt to their new situations"