Libraries stay open six days

Dallas City Council voted late Wednesday to restore $3.1 million in library funding, keeping all neighborhood branches open six days a week instead of the proposed five.

The original plan cut hours

The city manager's proposed budget would have reduced neighborhood library hours from six days to five days per week, affecting service across the system.

Mendelsohn's motion at 9:20 p.m.

Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn moved to redirect $2.5 million from the IT fund balance, which had grown to $11 million, to restore library funding. The amendment passed unanimously.

“Let's do the right thing for our residents and approve it.”

IT fund had doubled in years

Mendelsohn noted the IT fund balance more than doubled during her seven years on council, growing from under $5 million to $11 million, making it available for reallocation.

Some questioned tapping IT reserves

City leaders debated whether reducing IT reserves was wise, with Councilman Chad West expressing concern about Wi-Fi reliability and Chief Information Officer Jeff Stovall explaining the fund covers unexpected technology needs.

“Half the time we can't even get our Wi-Fi working up here.”

Job impact still being assessed

The city had planned 108 library layoffs, but officials have not yet confirmed how many positions the restored funding will save or how it impacts overall library operations.