Ross commissioners approved Northland Library's 2010 budget this week, but they also plan to discuss withdrawing from the regional institution.

The 5-4 vote Monday night to ratify the $2.4 million budget followed an hour of sometimes contentious debate about the library's future.

Commissioner Lana Mazur proposed that Ross give required four-year notice that it wants to end its annual contributions to the institution.

The township faces financial problems in the coming years, and commissioners may have to trim critical services, she said. The library provides a recreation benefit and is not as essential to residents, she said.

Her motion to withdraw from the system was tabled on a 5-4 vote. Her proposal, however, will be discussed at the commissioners' workshop meeting Nov. 4. That session, open to the public, will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the municipal center.

Commission President Dan DeMarco and Commissioners Peter Ferraro, David Mikec, Chris Eyster and Grant Montgomery voted to approve the budget. Mrs. Mazur and Commissioners Gerald O'Brien, Daniel Kinross and Grace Stanko voted "no."

Ross's share of the spending plan will drop next year to $415,078, slightly less than the $417,142 it contributed this year.

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