Increase in Library Funds Will Ensure Steady Service

Orange County library services will increase funding, but not services or hours, for the Los Alamitos Rossmoor Library.

The branch’s budget will climb from $254,000 to $264,000, an increase required to maintain service levels, officials said after the City Council reviewed the budget Monday.

Current library hours are noon to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

There are three full-time staff members, eight part-timers and several volunteers.

In an unrelated matter, the Los Alamitos council also issued a resolution opposing Southern California Water Co.’s proposed rate increases.

The utility company wants to raise rates for Los Alamitos residents 16.3% in 1999; 4.8% in 2000; and 5.2% in 2001.

The resolution criticizes the proposal for exceeding inflationary indexes and front-loading the bulk of the increase. Council members called on the California Public Utilities Commission to oppose the increase.

Water officials visited the council in May and explained that increases will pay for expanding facilities and help accommodate a rapidly increasing customer base.