Miami, Fl - At its September 23rd Budget meeting, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners approved the Library’s budget for Fiscal Year 2004-05. This budget maintains the Library Taxing District’s millage rate at .486 and raises the Library System’s total operating revenues to an estimated $65.08 million. The Board supported the budget recommendations of both County Mayor Alex Penelas and County Manager George Burgess.

By approving the recommendations, the Board has also approved the continuation of funding at the current level for the Library’s 8-Year Capital Plan. The Plan calls for the construction of 10 libraries and the opening of 8 storefront libraries through Fiscal Year 2010. Construction for the first library is scheduled to begin later this year. Two others will begin construction early next year. The Library System has already opened three branches in leased facilities (Naranja, Lakes of the Meadow, Concord) and will open its fourth branch in November in the community of Palm Springs North.

“This marks the fifth year that the Board of County Commission has demonstrated its vote of confidence in our Library System and the magnificent work that staff are doing,” said Library Director Raymond Santiago. For additional information, please visit www.mdpls.org.

Media Contact: Marivi Prado 305.375.5180