Was the Former Library Director Jeff Scott Confused, or Was He Attempting to Fearmonger

YouTube.com Library Trustee Meeting - May 7, 2025.

Turns out the Great Library Budget Crisis of 2025 was nothing more than a work of fiction, authored by none other than former Library Director Jeff Scott. For six long months, Scott spun a budget fairytale worthy of a Netflix limited series—complete with looming layoffs, weeping children, and seniors fearing they'd have to turn to YouTube tutorials instead of librarians for help.

But in a moment of rare clarity, Washoe County CFO, Abbe Yacoben, stepped in and casually blew the entire charade to pieces. As Library Trustee Chair Ann Silver put it—without even flinching—“You’ve provided the most concise and rational commentary on the budget I’ve heard since being on this board.” Translation: Thanks for finally introducing logic to the room after half a year of fear-mongering.

Turns out there’s millions still sitting pretty in the library fund. That’s right—millions. So those alleged 23 layoffs Scott was sobbing about? Completely unnecessary. The panicked narrative about slashing hours and firing librarians who weren’t his personal fan club? Manufactured. Fabricated. Utter fiction. Rumor has it Scott was looking for a budget-shaped excuse to prune staff who didn’t give him standing ovations.

And speaking of drama, someone check on Commissioner Mariluz Garcia - Distrcit 3 —she might still be untangling herself from the mess. After all, she spent weeks grandstanding against fellow commissioners for daring to ask budget questions, only to find out she’d been hoodwinked. Maybe someone can sell her a calculator and a clue, because clearly, basic finance wasn’t on her radar.

To summarize: the budget’s fine, the layoffs are fake, and the only thing that needs cutting is the nonsense. If anyone’s handing out pink slips, maybe start with the tall tales.

Oh, and if you don’t believe us - just watch the attached video.