April 7th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Allegany County held reviews with outside agencies receiving funding to determine a clearer picture on the fiscal 2026 budget. Most agencies who appeared asked for flat or lesser funding. One exception – the library system requested $90,000 more than last year or may have to close branches. Commissioner Bill Atkinson told library director John Taube they need to look at their structure to find cuts…

   

“I disagree with that. I think closing any library should be off the table and you should find ways to make it work within the operation. You have five department leads. You only have six libraries.”

County Administrator Jason Bennett seemed to think the library was management heavy…

   

“Commissioners – same number of department heads that we have here at the county by the way – for 500-plus employees.”