GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. -- The Genesee District Library announced plans to make operational adjustments in its library system on Monday.

Officials said the changes were made due to the economic downturn that’s impacting other libraries and school districts across the state and to better maximize library resources.

The Genesee District Library is primarily funded by a .7481 millage tax on property in Genesee County outside the city of Flint.

The current millage rate has been in place for over a decade.

A decline in property tax revenue and major cuts in state aid, which includes a 40 percent reduction slated for 2010, is eroding the GDL’s budget, according to Community Relations Officer Trenton Smiley.

Smiley said one of the adjustments is to bring our operating hours more in line with the industry average.

The Genesee District Library Board recently approved the following changes in branch hours to be effective Nov. 9.

• Baker Park Library -- 8 hour reduction
• Burton Memorial Library -- 8 hour reduction
• Clio Area Library -- 16 hour reduction
• Fenton Library -- 16 hour reduction
• Fenton Children’s Center -- 16 hour reduction
• Gaines Library -- 6 hours reduction

The new operating hours will total a reduction of 70 hours.