EVPL presents 2026 proposed budget and tax-levy outline; central and branch renovations continue

Laurie Tomlin, director of finance for EVPL, told the council the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library system’s proposed 2026 budgets and tax levies were prepared under Department of Local Government Finance procedures and would reflect only a small increase from 2025. “All budget forms were previously reviewed by the DLGF south west representative during the 20 25 virtual budget workshop and estimated budgets and corresponding levy rates were calculated per the prescribed method of the DLGF at or under the state maximum growth quotient of 4%,” Tomlin said. She told council members the total estimated budgets across the library’s five funds show “less than half a percent increase, point 44% to be exact,” compared with 2025.

The budget documents Tomlin presented, she said, use a conservative 85% of the…