Library presents 2026 operating budget highlights and proposes solar addition to new building
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Summary
Trustees reviewed the library’s proposed 2026 operating budget of about $5.2 million, personnel and benefits notes, and a capital project proposal to add solar panels to the recently opened fully electrified building using rebates and external funding.
Library staff presented highlights of the proposed 2026 budget and discussed a capital improvement to add solar to the new library building.
The director said the 2026 library operating budget is approximately $5,200,000 and that personnel costs were kept nearly flat, with a $2,600 net increase driven in part by a reallocation of part‑time administrative support. The budget includes a 3% merit increase for non‑represented employees; health insurance costs were budgeted with a 4.52% increase, the director said.
Staff explained that the library’s operating costs sit largely within the city general fund, with capital projects and special revenue funds used for building and programmatic expenses. Library grants and aids were identified as a substantial revenue source that offsets about 20% of the library’s budget, with county funding formulas contributing for non‑city residents who use the library.
On capital projects, trustees were briefed on a proposal to add solar to the fully electrified building. Solar was part of the original building design but was removed during construction because of escalating costs and an unsuccessful grant application. Staff and the city’s sustainability manager, Steve Schrage, are pursuing incentives, rebates and external grants with the intention the project would not require new taxpayer funding if those rebates and grants are secured.
Timeline notes: the mayor’s budget listening session (“Budget Saturday”) is scheduled for Nov. 1; a public hearing is set for Nov. 5 and a special council meeting for budget adoption on Nov. 12. Staff advised trustees that Budget Saturday is where the finance committee develops its recommended version of the budget and that significant changes are most likely to surface there.
Trustees were given the budget book and invited to follow the mayor’s presentation available from the Oct. 1 council meeting recording for further detail.