By Todd Hatton
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-973978.mp3
Madisonville, Ky – It goes without saying that communities throughout the country are having a tough time in this down economy. Even as revenues shrink, demand for services stays the same or increases. Madisonville, Kentucky is no exception. Their city council recently passed a budget with sweeping cuts to services, the largest, and possibly the most controversial, being a 100 thousand dollar reduction for the Madisonville-Hopkins County Public Library. That amount represents an almost 20% cut in its overall budget. Adding to the contention was a charge by one city councilman that of the 475 thousand dollar annual library budget, 394 thousand went to salaries and benefits with no outlay for books. Joining us on the line to talk about library funding is Marcella Davis. She's the President of the Hopkins County-Madisonville Public Library's board.
Marcella Davis is President of the Hopkins County-Madisonville Public Library Board.