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Great River Regional Library seeks $2.32 million from Stearns County for 2026; board hears review of system budget and services
Summary
The Great River Regional Library board presented its 2026 budget to the county, asking Stearns County to contribute $2,321,618—an increase of 2.72%—and outlined systemwide spending priorities and reserve‑use plans.
Representatives of Great River Regional Library presented the system’s 2026 budget and said Stearns County’s required contribution will be $2,321,618, a 2.72% increase over 2025.
Karen Poncek, executive director, and Amy Anderson, associate director of accounting, described the regional library as a six‑county system with locations in 32 towns and noted the library budget is formed by a joint‑powers finance committee using a three‑part formula of net tax capacity, borrowers and population. The board adopted the draft 2026 system budget July 15; the system budget totals $10,570,000, representing a 0.42% increase from 2025 and includes the use of reserves and roll‑over operating surplus as part of a multi‑year reserve spending and recovery plan that continues through 2029.
Poncek highlighted system services such as the Wi‑Fi‑to‑go hotspot program and summer and winter reading programs that had more than 16,000 participants the prior year. Staff noted per‑capita spending comparisons: state-level public library spending averages about $48.59 per capita, the Great River system spends $20.43 per capita, and Stearns County’s effective per‑capita share is approximately $14.42.
Commissioners praised the library’s service network and management; Poncek said the budget process focused on sustaining services while preparing for federal funding uncertainty that could affect interlibrary loan services. The board did not take action on funding but received the presentation and asked for follow-up materials as needed.
