Budget boosts for San Antonio PL: also, Broward, Miami libraries gain from rising property values.(public libraries)

Under new director Ramiro Salazar, the San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) has seen significant increases in its FY05/06 budget, which began October 1. SAPL's operating budget grew to $23,084,177, an 11 percent increase over last year, while the capital budget of $9,381,000 represents a 27 percent increase. Employees making $50,000 or less annually will receive a 4.5 percent cost-of-living (COL) adjustment. Employees making more than $50,000 will receive a three percent COL adjustment, the result of an across-the-board city salary improvement plan.

SAPL's operating budget includes an additional $500,000 for library materials to support the opening of one new branch and …