Chattanooga Library Trims Staff To Keep Budget Flat

  • Tuesday, May 9, 2023

The Chattanooga Library has trimmed some staff in order to keep its budget from rising, City Council members were told at the annual budget hearings.

The library has a budget of some $7.7 million with over $6 million of that for salaries.

Ryan Ewalt, city chief operating officer, said a deputy executive director position that was last held by Richard Beeland, was eliminated.

He said it was felt the library did not need both that position and a chief administrative officer.

Mr. Beeland was moved within city government in March from the library to the post of administrator of city economic development.

Mr. Ewalt said, in addition, another vacancy was eliminated and four other employees were laid off at the library.

Also, he said the coffee service at the library is to be cut with a savings of $80,000.

He said with the changes that employees will be able to get pay increases and the budget still remain in line with the previous one.

Hourly employees will get up to four percent raises.

Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 4/23/2026

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report. (If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com ) BEARD,ANTONIO ... more

Chattanooga Airport Has Multiple Construction Projects To Keep Up With Record Growth
  • 4/22/2026

The Chattanooga Airport is thriving. March 2026 set a record for enplanements that were six percent over March last year, deplanements were up six percent and cargo was up by four percent. Overall ... more

2 Charged With Animal Cruelty In Walker County Following Dog Death Investigation
2 Charged With Animal Cruelty In Walker County Following Dog Death Investigation
  • 4/22/2026

The observation of a Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services case manager led to the arrest of a Rossville couple on several animal related charges. Andrew James Groncki, 33, ... more