Comments on: Trouble in Motor City

By: Bookworm

Bookworm — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 19:03:25 +0000

Capital expenditures (building improvement monies) and operating expenses(including salaries)are two entirely different categories in a system’s operating budget. The funds are not interchangeable and cannot be commingled. Usually capital funds cannot be carried over from year to year — it’s a use it or lose it proposition. The capital funds might not have been spent wisely (i.e., the trash cans) but this was in no way related to the layoffs or closings. Dtroit PL may be corrupt and screwed up, but these are bad examples to latch onto.

By: Tired Librarian

Tired Librarian — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:28:58 +0000

People aren’t responding because most libraries and workplaces have better financial controls, usually strangulating financial checks and balances.

Usually it’s the opposite problem – people have to fill out forms in triplicate, signed by 5 higher levels of authority to get a roll of toilet paper replaced.

FBI – wow! Detroit is obviously screwed up.

By: Public Librarian

Public Librarian — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:53:44 +0000

*Crickets*

I am surprised we have nothing to say about this issue. I read your post and other articles about the situation and figured I would come back and weigh in…

I am concerned that this sort of corruption is more common than we would like to think. Misappropriation of public funds is a serious issue. I wonder what sort of information is enough to get the FBI involved in investigating a library’s administration?