The Great Recession officially ended in 2009, but communities on the Western Slope are still feeling its effects.
In Montrose County, unemployment remains high and property values have not returned to pre-recession levels.
Paul Paladino, the director of the Montrose Regional Library District, said low property values affect the libraries.
"We are funded 90 percent from property taxes," said Paladino.
He said since 2013, the library system has faced a $420,000 budget deficit and is dipping into reserves to help make up for that loss.
"We've already cut hours," said Paladino. "We've closed on Saturdays. We've cut our materials budget. We are not replacing staff. Staff has taken a cut in hours."
He said the library district is seeking public input on what it should do about its budget problems through a survey on its website.
