Library workers plan rally over cuts to staff, work conditions ahead of Wake budget hearing

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Wake County commissioners are planning to hear from the public on the proposed budget that could come with a 2-cent increase in property taxes. The proposal comes as the county expects to generate only $8 million in new revenue for the upcoming fiscal year - far below the typical $40 million to $50 million.

Wake County Manager David Ellis presented his nearly $2.3 billion recommended budget on Monday, May 4, for Fiscal Year 2027. During the presentation, Ellis told commissioners that the state lawmakers are chronically underfunding education, public safety and human services, leaving Wake County in a financial gap.

Library workers are not planning to be quiet ahead of the meeting. According to the UE150 NC Public Service Workers Union, workers plan to address how recent cuts to staff hours have affected library operations, including reduced services and increased strain on employees.

According to the social media post by the union, the library system's staffing model has not been updated since 2010, despite significant population growth in Wake County over the same period.

The rally is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Wake County Commons Building on Carya Drive.

Dates, times to know

• Monday, May 11: First budget public hearing at 7:00 p.m. in the Wake County Commons Building.

• Monday, May 18: Second budget public hearing at 2:00 p.m. during the Board's regular meeting at the Wake County Justice Center.

• Monday, June 1: 5 p.m. - Board votes on the proposed budget during its regular meeting at the Wake County Justice Center.