Library workers 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.

"Why all of a sudden is everything being cut for the people that use the services like the library?" said Carol Kminek, of Garner, who just moved to the area two days ago. She was getting a library card on Monday. "If I had a buck, I'd give it. And it's not easy. Not any of it. My biggest joy is coming to the library, grabbing a couple of books, and enjoying them."

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.

"It seems like things that mostly impact our kids and those who are least valued in our community, those cuts always happen first," said Kristi Langford, of Garner. "As we continue to cut budgets and underfund this vital resource for our community, it's going to have negative impacts."

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 during the same period.

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.

"I think it's a matter of not really understanding and taking things out of context. Because operationally things are not changing," said Tammy Baggett, Wake County Public Libraries Director. "It's just coming out of the library's budget line. Not that it's a true reduction to the budget."

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 p.m. in the Wake County Commons Building.

• Monday, May 18: Second budget public hearing at 2 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.