Community Services
Libraries
Why did Wake County include closing libraries as part of the recommended budget?
The County analyzed every operational efficiency possible. However, they could not achieve the necessary spending cuts without proposing closing or consolidating facilities, and curtailing or eliminating certain services and staff. They examined library usage and service levels, proximity to another library, ability to receive services online, access for citizens to similar library programs elsewhere and ultimately the cost savings that could be achieved through the proposed reductions.
Why is the County closing libraries and not parks?
The budgets for Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS), and Libraries, operate independently of one another. Like other County departments, parks and libraries each proposed reductions options to the County Manager.
Decisions will be based on where each reduction proposal falls in the overall County priority model.
Human Services
Will citizens see any changes in the services they receive?
The Human Services department provides community health programs and clinics, child and family services, mental health and substance abuse services, economic assistance and affordable housing programs. Some of these services are seeing increased workloads as the economy has slowed. As a result, citizens may experience increased wait times for some county services.
Will the new Continuum of Care facility still open in the fall of 2010? Will the Mental Health Continuum of Care project continue?
This past July, the County broke ground on the Continuum of Care facility. This project remains on schedule and will continue in order to open in the fall of 2010.
Sheriff's Office
What impact will reductions in the Sheriff’s Office have on citizens?
Of the positions being eliminated, two are in administration, one is in CCBI and one is in Fire Inspections. Temporary courthouse staff support full-time deputies on a daily basis both inside and outside courtrooms. If the temporary courthouse staffing budget is reduced as recommended, there may be fewer deputies in some courtrooms, and fewer deputies near the entrances and exists. Deputies will still be available in all the locations they are now, but some locations will have fewer staff during certain parts of the day.