The libraries were saved, ending a public outcry, but a revised budget that Cobb County passed on Tuesday had public safety officials warning of longer response times and service delays.
The approved budget closes a $31.5 million budget gap through a mix of cuts, one-time money and reserve funds. All county employees, including public safety personnel, will be required to take five furlough days, and requires a 10-percent cut for each department.
One of metro Atlanta's largest counties, Cobb is facing unprecedented times, forced to respond to a revenue shortfall after enjoying only surpluses in recent years. It's been an all too familiar situation for surrounding counties such as DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett, all dealing with their own budget crises.
Cobb's budget does not include a tax increase and keeps all county libraries open, a boon for library supporters and a retreat for Commissioner Chairman Tim Lee. The county's top official backtracked on his original proposal to close 13 of the county's 17 library branches after hearing from supporters, business leaders and state lawmakers.
The cuts eventually agreed upon didn’t go over well with public safety personnel.
“The five [furlough days] are hard enough, but 10-percent cuts will mean more days for the police department,” said Jorge Mestre, president of the county’s Fraternal Order of Police. “They proved today that libraries were priority.”
Fire officials had lobbied for a tax increase to support the fire fund, which pays for fire equipment and personnel. A 10-percent cut could mean another furlough day for department personnel, and roaming brown outs based on staffing, said Sam Heaton, the county's fire chief.
After the meeting, Leslie Adams, who led the social media support for the libraries on Twitter and Facebook, was happy the branches were spared, but was waiting to see what the 10-percent cut would mean for the department.
"It seemed after the meeting that it was framed as an us versus them," she said, referring to public safety. "It's more than just the libraries. There is a big shortfall that has to be accounted for somehow."
A citizens oversight panel is currently at work on reviewing the county's spending priorities and making recommendations for the 2012 and 2013 budgets.
Commissioner Helen Goreham cast the one dissenting vote against the budget, saying she had hoped for a more balanced and sustainable approach.
"I am concerned that unless there is 100 percent participation from all departments, and that it's feasible and doable, that we do not have enough padding there to handle that situation,"Goreham said. She also voted against the initial fiscal 2011 budget in September; at that time she wanted more cuts to the county's court system.
Tuesday's budget revision,which takes effect May 1, uses about $4.6 million in reserve funds, closes the Windy Hill Senior Center in Smyrna and senior day care center in Marietta, and makes Mable House Amphitheater in Mableton a rental facility only. The budget also includes $16 million in one-time money and cuts, along with $2.5 million in 911 funds, expected to be approved by state lawmakers this week.
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