West Fargo Library outlines conservative budget with 2.5% COLA adjustment

The West Fargo Public Library Board has made significant strides in budget management during its meeting on July 10, 2025, focusing on a conservative approach to financial planning for the upcoming year. The board has incorporated a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) into the preliminary budget, reflecting a careful balance between maintaining services and adhering to fiscal constraints.

The proposed budget shows only a slight increase of just over $7,000 from 2025 to 2026, a notable achievement given the 3% property tax cap established during the recent legislative session. Library officials emphasized their commitment to keeping budget lines flat or reduced, with increases limited to unavoidable costs, such as a 3% annual rise in lease expenses.

Library staff expressed pride in their efforts to maintain service levels while managing a budget that exceeds $2 million, primarily funded by West Fargo residents. The board highlighted the importance of state aid, which contributes approximately $45,000 annually to the library's budget. However, concerns were raised regarding potential cuts to federal funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which could impact state library resources and, consequently, local services.

The board also discussed health insurance budgeting, noting a $70 reduction in costs for the upcoming year. This reduction is attributed to improved budgeting practices that align projected expenses more closely with actual spending.

Looking ahead, the city commission will review the preliminary budget on July 21, with final approval expected by October. The library board remains committed to transparency and will continue to update stakeholders on any changes or additional funding requests as discussions progress.

Overall, the meeting underscored the library's dedication to fiscal responsibility while ensuring that community members continue to receive essential services.