DELAND -- Citing duplication of services and increasing costs, the S. Cornelia Young Memorial Library on the Daytona Beach beachside is expected to be closed in the next 45 days, county officials decided Thursday.
The expected savings is $169,000.
The Holly Hill library is targeted for possible closing on Oct. 1. That would save an additional $269,000, but fore now it remains open after Mayor Roland Via said it was a valuable commodity in his city, especially for children after school.
Closing the Holly Hill library would save an additional $269,000.
County officials say there are libraries in the vicinity that offer the same services and with vacancies at both, staffing has become expensive because of overtime. Plus the Cornelia Young Libray needs $500,000 in upgrades.
County Council Chairman Frank Bruno voted against both closings, saying in part, "I just can't support closing these two libraries today. We have a responsibility to the citizens, too."
He was in the minority.
Councilwoman Pat Northey responded, "It's about listening to the taxpayers who are looking for tax relief. I don't know how to do that without making some tough decisions, and I think (there will) be more tough decisions."