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Resident urges council to condemn federal executive order cutting IMLS funding; council asks for details
Summary
A resident asked Troy leaders to adopt a formal resolution condemning a recent presidential executive order targeting the Institute of Museum and Library Services and to call for restoration of funding; council members said they would seek more details and consider a resolution.
Joey Colby, a Troy resident and clinical social worker, told the council on April 7 that a recent presidential executive order targeting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) threatens state and local library services, including interlibrary loan systems used by Troy patrons.
Colby said Troy library patrons checked out more than 10,000 items through MelCat in 2024 (a figure he said he confirmed with library staff) and described MelCat and other services as crucial for students, seniors and working families. He urged the council to "push for a formal resolution condemning this executive order and calling for the restoration of federal library and museum funding" and asked a council member to force a vote.
Council members responded favorably to exploring the request. Council member Hamilton asked Colby for additional information and said she would be willing to support a resolution if the council determines the executive order directly affects local funding or services. Council member Chanda said she would consult colleagues and review details; the mayor and other council members asked staff to get more information from the library about potential financial impacts.
No formal resolution was introduced at the meeting. Council members asked the resident and library staff to provide documentation and for staff to report back with specific information about the executive order’s local budget impact before taking further action.
