Libraries are soft targets - short-term savings, long-term consequences.

So in the long term they could end up wiping out the short-term savings made by cutting subbing staff.

Linda Stamato, a board member, couches another concern in terms of short-term savings versus long-term costs.

The interest they pay will be higher than short-term savings.

You must make a rational calculation of what is in your best interest - short-term savings or long-term shopping opportunities.

"It will provide no short-term savings and will mean people will have to work longer, pay more and gain less benefit."

The cost of making emergency repairs is likely to overshadow any short-term savings gained by cutting the capital plan, the critics maintain.

It was a bad decision to get some short-term savings.

Of those that do save, half said that these were just short-term savings.

However, even if these changes produce some short-term higher savings, property taxes can be expected to increase within a few years.