ELKTON â Supporters of the Cecil County Public Library, wearing shirts embroidered with âLove our Library, Fund our Library,â came out to the Public Budget Hearing at Elkton High School Thursday, to voice their opposition to County Executive Danielle Hornbergerâs proposed library operating budget cut.
Hornberger proposes a cut to the operating budget of 5.7% or $366,202. Her administration has said that the total budget is actually being increased by 12.7% or $818,798 when the increase in the debt service to pay for the new North East Library building is accounted for.
Many attendees disputed this framing of the FY 2022 budget and said operating budgets and capital budgets are separate funds that have nothing to do with each other.
Like other property owners, I do not like paying taxes. However, I know the services we want are not free. I applaud any effort to be efficient and to save on costs where possible, such as Ms. Hornbergerâs plan to combine new wash bay projects for two departments, sharing use and with an eye on federal funding. However, beware âPenny Wise, Pound Foolish.â We expect pot holes to be filled, ice and snow removal from our roads to keep us safe. We want good police protection and services for our seniors. And I believe most of us want excellent schools and libraries. Public services require financial contributions from citizens.