Fiscal Challenges

By Constance B. "Connie" Davenport

Outline of Fiscal Challenges currently facing PVLD

This year has brought flattening and decreasing property tax revenues and the Prop 1a Suspension allowing the State to borrow an additional 8% of those revenues. This substantial revenue decrease, a total of over 15%, has been a tremendous fiscal challenge to the District. Through judicious cutbacks, a soft hiring freeze, increases in internal income, an increased gift from the Peninsula Friends of the Library and some use of our reserves, the District will make it through this year without major cuts in services or layoffs. This is a very significant achievement.

The District adopted a new three-year Strategic Plan in May of this year. The plan was developed in a very exciting, collaborative process with the Board and every department contributing. The plan focuses and clarifies the District's path forward.

I feel that the Strategic Plan goals are still attainable, despite the fiscal challenges, because of our outstanding director and management team, our innovative, highly skilled and motivated staff, and the dedicated Board of Trustees, all working as a team.

The Board of Trustees has much work to complete in the next years under the new Strategic Plan. I ask for your vote on November 3, 2009 so that I can continue this very challenging work.

Vote for Experience, Understanding, Continuity and Leadership!