Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to examine the Library’s financial condition and internal controls over Library operations for the period January 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015.

Background

The Tompkins County Public Library is the central library for the Finger Lakes Library System and serves libraries and users in Tompkins, Tioga, Cortland, Seneca and Cayuga Counties. The Library, which is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees, serves approximately 47,000 registered borrowers. Budgeted appropriations for 2015 totaled approximately $4 million.

Key Finding

• Library officials have not developed structurally balanced budgets, and the Library experienced operating deficits from 2012 through 2014 totaling $266,000.

Key Recommendation

• Work with County officials and other municipalities within the Library’s service area to develop a plan to either increase revenues or further reduce services and expenditures.