Tula City Council votes to increase non-resident library card fee to $40

The Tooele City Council has approved a significant increase in the non-resident library card fee, raising it from $30 to $40, effective July 1, 2025. Library Director Chase Bridal presented the resolution, emphasizing that the fee had not been adjusted since 2015 and was necessary to ensure that local taxpayers are not subsidizing non-resident cardholders.

Currently, nearly 1,000 non-residents, primarily from Stansbury Park, Erda, and Grantsville, hold library cards. Bridal explained that the actual cost of providing library services to non-residents is approximately $32.93 per individual, meaning the previous fee was not covering the full expense. The increase aims to align the fee more closely with the actual cost and is expected to stabilize the library's budget for at least the next decade.

Bridal noted that while Salt Lake County charges $180 for a non-resident card, Tooele's fee structure is based on individual users rather than households. The council discussed the potential for increased library usage as a result of the fee adjustment, which could help further subsidize the library's budget and lessen the financial burden on Tooele City taxpayers.

The council's decision reflects a commitment to maintaining library services while ensuring fair contributions from non-residents. As the new fee takes effect, residents and non-residents alike will have time to prepare for the change, with the council encouraging community awareness ahead of the implementation date.