[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6187246,"mediaKeyId","5071324-d376dfc794f932099ff291d73e19f6d2","parentId",5071324,"title","Franklin library trustees review 2026 budget draft, debate fund structure and major line items","audioSeconds",1523,"startMs",294000,"endMs",1817000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5071324-d376dfc794f932099ff291d73e19f6d2&start=294&end=1817","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5071324-d376dfc794f932099ff291d73e19f6d2/thumbnail_294000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6187246/Franklin-City/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Franklin-library-trustees-review-2026-budget-draft-debate-fund-structure-and-major-line-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187246-b4099d30bbfc147cf58cc0b219125637/orig.mp4?Expires=1773567649&Signature=I-~U9WIVA0HPsmxZ0Fw2mCaX91wzl8lI-Ohp1JRE7mKUwk6~IjDEa-D0gneYl6MEoWcTPICnl40wYxUk0Kpj6iWKuO9~RkGZK1yZkWwafU-3OhTRpmWRlxDA3cplLEmAXVjVZqaxPO8DfiRkitSTdagAjXTOmcfEQ0gYlWCCqLVFC7yH0DdjXOgE1Otxq5SSJoF4F~LSZbETGHOnAfhGVvia177trQFOoZr19JR4d-ATWcBRNMqhnxJr4oQH0zbfFYMrnBmWoWMijImKeuhnJO1MBdMNP~Qm2fwaTEXZz1vA-LYcJ~CzKZCKo9I4N~P-Ho9LsH1Sxno48Ccg6fOy3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Franklin, WI","date","2025-06-25T20:40:42.433Z","article","The Franklin Public Library board of trustees on June 23 approved routine vouchers and spent the bulk of the meeting examining a draft budget for 2026 and recent year-end adjustments to the books.

The board accepted $41,856.48 in invoices for Fund 15 and moved $10,002 in Fund 16 invoices (motions carried), and then turned to the budget presentation and finance committee summary. Ellen, a staff member presenting the financials, said, “The May report represents 41.37 percent of the year as far as revenue goes. . . . The revenue is 96.44% of budget.” The trustees discussed why some 2024 numbers changed after January and asked staff to confirm whether the city auditor’s work or reclassifications required a formal amended budget.

Why it matters: trustees said they need a clear, auditable baseline before making multi-year commitments. Several budget changes—particularly capital outlays and facility charges—affect whether the library shows a year-end deficit and whether the city will be asked for additional support.

Most important facts and context
- The draft 2026 budget keeps total expenditures roughly flat with 2025: trustees noted the proposed 2026 total is slightly below the 2025 figure presented in the packet. The staff presentation showed capital and facility charges from 2024 that were higher than originally budgeted, producing a need for amended entries.
- Trustees and staff discussed Fund 15 (general operating) and Fund 16 (restricted/donation/program funds). Trustees debated consolidating funds 15 and 16 so all library monies appear together, but a city staff caution — that combining could make the library’s reserve appear larger and reduce perceived city need — led trustees to keep funds separate for now.
- Solar project and utility savings: the draft reduces the electricity budget (from $84,000 to $70,000) on the assumption solar and recent equipment upgrades will produce at least a 15–25% cut in energy costs. Trustees requested monitoring actual savings over the next few months before locking in larger reductions in the budget.
- Major capital / one-time items: the draft includes $50,000 for furniture/fixtures (director desks, possible Pedro Room seating). Trustees flagged the possibility of donated furniture from new local employers and discussed shifting purchases to later if donations materialize.
- Library materials and subscriptions: the draft reduces library materials from the 2025 budgeted level (noted as $91,000 in the packet) to $80,000 for 2026. Trustees asked for justification, noting actual spend patterns and the potential impact on circulation and programming. Hoopla (a digital content vendor) remains a major cost line and was discussed separately as a possible savings target.

Questions and required follow-up
- Trustees asked staff to confirm why 2024 “actuals” changed between the January reconciliation and later in the year (Ellen and Alan agreed to follow up with Danielle at the city to confirm audit timing and any reclassifications).
- The board requested monitoring of actual electricity bills over the next 2–3 months to validate the assumed solar savings before finalizing the 2026 budget numbers.
- The finance committee will consider if any capital items should be reclassified to match city capital-outlay submission rules (unit vs. total cost) before the July budget deadline.

What trustees decided and next steps
- No final adoption of the 2026 budget at the June meeting. Trustees requested more verification of audit-driven changes, confirmation of expected energy savings, and clearer justification for the library materials decrease before finalizing the request to the city finance committee.

Ending note: trustees scheduled to monitor midyear financials and to attend the city finance committee session when the city builds the overall municipal budget; Jason Craig noted that the city’s finance committee meets soon and encouraged trustees to observe the process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Library Board Meeting 6-23-2025 - 6 PM","oneSentenceSummary","The Franklin Public Library board approved routine invoices and spent most of its June 23 meeting reviewing a draft 2026 budget that keeps spending near 2025 levels while debating fund structure, a proposed $50,000 capital outlay for furniture, and cuts to electricity and materials lines.","taxTitle","Franklin City, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin","taxId",55414,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6187228,"Library foundation reports sponsorship outreach and author event plans; trustees discuss corporate donations",122,5814000,5936000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5071324-d376dfc794f932099ff291d73e19f6d2&start=5814&end=5936","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5071324-d376dfc794f932099ff291d73e19f6d2/thumbnail_5814000.jpg","/articles/6187228/Franklin-City/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Library-foundation-reports-sponsorship-outreach-and-author-event-plans-trustees-discuss-corporate-donations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187228-dfdf6fdb1c98b32af5435a345b3bd399/orig.mp4?Expires=1773567649&Signature=RRPAC7w9NhKYdpraTLqim5ifwfVyEIBRQvkRUYuOkRv5ekZWMArOWI8x1UkUdOvRikUsxDCKYhzGzN9628djocpigFmMFAblCf0IH80L9Quoiwmr8TmCqKrZCpqSIU1DtMR-61g2xpsZeLuyH~Gfe~yUqHhEN3r8kkBrj2uINwAdb38qtp5KNfCyErGgZFMhOdvK1QHsJrrUiMdYNcXBnWC8Ogf~fwS~~Bkv7qkv4A44f17Re6srTiFXCtteiuqJ0i2n3T7iloIf-lMwFoqOWtiUfrB35cWhqaoqQUkGs4I3X3xmOqC7JmvMLq99SYu29Pohi3QMvoliwm3Izm03wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the joint meeting with the foundation, trustees heard progress on fundraising and corporate outreach.

Foundation members reported plans to solicit local employers moving into town; Saputo recently provided a donation toward a playground surface and foundation members proposed approaching other new businesses (including Yaskawa) for larger gifts toward makerspace equipment and computers. The foundation is preparing for an author event on Sept. 25 (author talk 6:30 p.m.; pre-event reception 6 p.m.) and plans to begin ticket sales earlier because local interest is already high.

Why it matters: foundation grants and corporate sponsorships could fund capital items (makerspace equipment, RFID/tag replacement, furniture) that would otherwise compete in the library operating budget.

What trustees discussed and next steps
- Trustees encouraged the foundation to pursue corporate contacts and suggested aligning asks to specific projects (makerspace laser cutter, computers, or furniture), and to report back with pledge schedules.
- Foundation indicated it might cover some program reimbursements already flowing through Fund 16; trustees asked the foundation to coordinate anticipated reimbursements with the library’s Fund 16 accounting.

Ending: The board welcomed the foundation’s outreach and asked staff and foundation to coordinate on potential capital requests and on timing for ticket sales and sponsorship solicitations.","The Franklin Library Foundation reported outreach to new local employers and earlier-than-planned ticket sales for a September author event; trustees discussed pursuing corporate gifts for makerspace equipment and playground support.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6187232,"Library reports RFID tag problems and rising Hoopla costs; vendors troubleshooting",522,5000000,5522000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5071324-d376dfc794f932099ff291d73e19f6d2&start=5000&end=5522","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5071324-d376dfc794f932099ff291d73e19f6d2/thumbnail_5000000.jpg","/articles/6187232/Franklin-City/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Library-reports-RFID-tag-problems-and-rising-Hoopla-costs-vendors-troubleshooting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187232-53a683a42adec2fd92dd49f4726fca40/orig.mp4?Expires=1773567649&Signature=fxb1AucnqElTBaYf9wyyU4By2f~fpROi0QYd82fJEN12wlbw3P1D19eXABEc~I4-j9OkYOjhxp-VelGxDr9emfZGwIFrcWEgbxNwGcT1yMsZ74KT7qH9gDHI9zqoCrjFB5GUrIr5uuxEtPXiElcOkx2FWrx-tebXJaM7wJ~2w6Je7XG4UuzuIfoM0nS5-EVxuRO~WD0FMvReSBw~4Vr0GtJYvSChZoNd32IMuTmiQk5R-0HK7zZM1lB1w0-OXitkmPNoPoR8bMlzHRFpd4GSW5-bTKnQZSUTAIxFw93CfKaxIHfBWstJqrtVY9O25pVP4UHednUSK7MMs0Z2j99Nhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff briefed the trustees on technology issues affecting check-out and on-demand digital services.

Jennifer said the library has an intermittent RFID/tag read problem affecting items that carry a different frequency range. She reported FE Technologies installed new antennas that resolved an analogous issue in Australia but said the problem persists in Franklin. Staff and board discussed options including replacing affected tags and upgrading antennas; trustees asked staff to get replacement‑cost estimates and a remediation timeline from the vendor.

On digital materials, trustees again flagged Hoopla costs as a major subscription line. Staff said on-demand use has risen while Hoopla spending projects to roughly $19,000 annually under current usage assumptions; trustees asked collection and systems staff to present alternatives for on-demand content at future meetings.

Why it matters: RFID reliability affects circulation accuracy and customer service at self-checkouts; digital subscription costs affect the materials budget.

Key points and follow-up
- RFID tags purchased in a certain period use a differing frequency; those tags intermittently fail to read. FE Technologies deployed replacement antennas but local reading problems remain.
- Staff asked for a scope and cost estimate for replacing tags and any recommended hardware changes; trustees asked for an estimate to consider in the capital schedule.
- Hoopla costs are high relative to other materials lines. Trustees asked staff to evaluate alternatives (library-driven on-demand, caps, or vendor negotiation) and to return with options that show circulation impact and cost comparisons.

Ending: Trustees asked staff to report back with vendor cost estimates for RFID remediation and a plan for Hoopla and other digital content options before budget adoption.","Trustees heard ongoing technical issues with RFID tags and self-check systems and discussed Hoopla subscription costs. Staff said vendor work in Australia fixed an antenna problem but issues persisted locally; trustees asked for replacement estimates and further troubleshooting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6187237,"Trustees begin discussion on eliminating overdue fines; ask for outside data and a presentation from neighboring systems",553,5553000,6106000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5071324-d376dfc794f932099ff291d73e19f6d2&start=5553&end=6106","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5071324-d376dfc794f932099ff291d73e19f6d2/thumbnail_5553000.jpg","/articles/6187237/Franklin-City/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Trustees-begin-discussion-on-eliminating-overdue-fines-ask-for-outside-data-and-a-presentation-from-neighboring-systems","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187237-540f14eb12b1f2a2e0ccbc38e411275c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773567649&Signature=FYQbiiqHcCyOAGtk3hvtxCgX5rt5mhMSGyi4s1fFk4pjsobxVYE~ettoJnAuQxTecGKF2l~nYYjzSXUHAY33hGrb2LAOnPSYcjaDpIJkpsPE1VfoF-IlUejH1JEFG1mdShZi5rRkQF9LNYJP~ml5AcSRQfIVgavCyFk8tJayssWq6OqtwRBNqbJwNxxno6m9o0VtDIXqlSL39K4LpGKaE6faE4g0fyy1HXfx3FHSLdwTRDLMouVrOa8KXzrki0P0iwNASBsQxeekEbjg1Srt9vt9tMVwml3DAwz2WQbUT0jk4IErOplrxjIXPO-3BGQ1Q2FGNWVsM50oBfjja2uLbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Trustees discussed a possible move to “fine free” circulation policies and requested more evidence and a presentation from system staff and neighboring libraries before taking action.

Chris, a staff member who compiled research for the board, provided studies and articles including an American Library Association piece, a New York Public Library study tracking effects three years after going fine‑free, a Syracuse University study titled “Unexpected benefits of eliminating library fines,” and an NPR article. The board discussed both equity and budget implications.

Trustees reviewed local revenue and fine data presented at the meeting: the library’s total fine receipts run near $18,000 annually; about $10,000 of that is from Franklin patrons (ecommerce and in‑person payments) and about $8,000 was paid by patrons from other libraries. Board members noted that when nearby libraries (Greenfield, Shorewood, Tulsa, Tosa) removed fines the expected return-rate problems did not clearly materialize at least in some peer reports; Tosa staff reported no net increase in overdue percentages after going fine‑free for children’s materials.

Why it matters: eliminating fines shifts a small-but-visible revenue line and has operational and equity implications. Trustees said they were sympathetic to removing barriers that may keep some residents from using the library, but wanted fiscal certainty and system coordination.

Discussion details and next steps
- Trustees asked staff for additional local data disaggregated by item type (children’s vs. adult materials) and for follow-up on how many fines come from reciprocal borrowing vs. local patrons. Jennifer confirmed the accounting shows ecommerce fines are generally Franklin patrons, paid online, and that quarterly transfers from the central system cover some reciprocal amounts.
- Several trustees recommended inviting Pete (Tosa director) or another system representative to present metrics and longer-term results from libraries that went fine-free. The board agreed to invite Pete and asked staff to circulate the articles Chris provided.
- No formal policy change or vote was taken; board members said they would not rush to eliminate fines without more fiscal detail and discussion with city finance staff because the 2025 budget assumes fine revenue.

Ending: The board kept the item on the agenda for follow-up, requested additional data and an external presentation, and agreed not to implement a change before reviewing the budget implications and hearing from peer library staff.","Board members discussed whether to eliminate overdue fines, reviewed local fine revenue data (about $18,000 annually with roughly $8,000 from non‑resident patrons), and agreed to invite a regional system representative for more evidence before deciding.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6187242,"Trustees warn of HVAC outage, damp conditions after weekend breakdown; raise concerns about vendor response and controls training",168,4652000,4820000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5071324-d376dfc794f932099ff291d73e19f6d2&start=4652&end=4820","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5071324-d376dfc794f932099ff291d73e19f6d2/thumbnail_4652000.jpg","/articles/6187242/Franklin-City/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Trustees-warn-of-HVAC-outage-damp-conditions-after-weekend-breakdown-raise-concerns-about-vendor-response-and-controls-training","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187242-6f431640f689585519acf4373623f65f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773567649&Signature=Vsot5ujL5yxcJsWLsRTrjIKKgNAOt8zm3rcd2qKOeD4Npfj9ZmxXKdGdjcgj5Zer0IropVGoqrAT2THbLPw3WPQyhEVZ9Ksq51vUW4Kt-lTIQ4eBQXBPemUSzDwFmYCZOHuN0EICglcb3nYO~Mhxp-sU5Up~1ONDP-uWs24ltL4ULHi~vZ0PpXbvQxJipvhKpuhBUazIB~haY260ky7avYyL5EEhVbjTx0ADg8lw1PTRn2D4X-z2YRN-uKrY5sE8Q9iSy3-nQhaA1epNcdIk8CdtxsE0qCIxx4xWJrZleq6QqIwwpmxfiRsDVuwdtyLl3XnuQso3cv6zX04iEkT~IQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Library staff reported a serious HVAC interruption over the weekend of the June meeting that left the building hot and humid and prompted an emergency response from in-house and contracted technicians.

Jennifer, a staff member, said she contacted Johnson Controls and then engaged in-house technicians when the system shut down Saturday: “I emailed him right away on Saturday when I was in. . . . I emailed him again and said, you know, we're a cooling shelter. There's damage going on.” Staff described water on tile floors, damp papers and wall hangings, and computers temporarily powered down to avoid damage.

Trustees pressed for faster vendor escalation and clearer responsibility for repairs. Jennifer reported that Johnson Controls had scheduled service technicians, but trustees asked staff to obtain and maintain an escalation contact list and to ensure that library staff receive training on the new building controls so staff can respond if the contractor is not immediately available.

Why it matters: the library is a designated cooling shelter and houses capital materials (books, equipment) vulnerable to humidity and heat. Board members said delayed vendor responses risked property damage and possible interruptions to public service.

Details reported in the meeting
- On Saturday the chilled-air system experienced high pressure alerts and shut down; staff observed humidity and some visible moisture on floors and materials. Staff shut down computers to prevent damage and engaged a contractor for emergency service hours.
- Johnson Controls manages roof equipment and recently installed controls; trustees emphasized that staff must be trained on the controls rather than learn to wait for a November chiller replacement. Jennifer said city staff Joe and service technicians were involved in obtaining emergency response coverage.
- Trustees asked that any emergency service invoice be routed to the responsible contractor where appropriate and that the library maintain documentation of emails and texts used to request urgent service.

Board directions and follow-up
- Staff to compile and provide escalation contact information (city contact, primary Johnson Controls project manager, backup contractor) and to present a timeline of weekend events and communications to the board.
- Staff to press for controls training from Johnson Controls or the project manager as soon as possible rather than waiting for later construction milestones.
- The board requested staff document any material damage and consult insurance as needed if mold or other humidity damage appears.

Ending: The trustees expressed support for immediate steps to reduce the risk of recurrence and asked for documentation of vendor responses and a short plan showing who will be trained to operate the controls in an urgent situation.","A weekend air-conditioning failure left the Franklin Public Library hot and humid, prompting staff to bring in contractors and trustees to request escalation, vendor accountability, and staff training on newly installed controls.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Franklin library trustees review 2026 budget draft, debate fund structure and major line items

Library foundation reports sponsorship outreach and author event plans; trustees discuss corporate donations

Library reports RFID tag problems and rising Hoopla costs; vendors troubleshooting

Trustees begin discussion on eliminating overdue fines; ask for outside data and a presentation from neighboring systems

Trustees warn of HVAC outage, damp conditions after weekend breakdown; raise concerns about vendor response and controls training