Detroit Public Library presents balanced FY2026 budget; commission sends entire budget to executive session on accessibility

Detroit Public Library staff on Thursday presented a proposed FY2026 budget of $43,472,160 and outlined staffing shortfalls, capital needs and branch repair plans as council members pressed the library to use its reported fund balance for larger capital projects. During the meeting the council voted with no objections to move the entire library budget into executive session to discuss accessibility concerns.

Library staff said the FY2026 proposal is “balanced” and aims to “maintain a safe, manageable and sustainable level of library services” across 20 branches, with the main library open 48 hours per week and branches generally at 40 hours. The presentation attributed most revenue to local property taxes from the library’s renewed 10‑year millage, which voters approved in August 2024 with an 85.6% “yes” vote.

The budget document presented by staff shows total revenue and other funding sources of $43,472,160, with local property taxes budgeted at $39,500,000; federal, state and county revenues estimated at $2,500,000; and other income (including investment earnings) at $1,400,000. Planned uses include $23,700,000 for employee salaries and benefits, $1,200,000 for pension and retiree expenditures, $17,500,000 for operational expenditures and just under $1,000,000 for debt service.

Library staff reported staffing progress and vacancies: FY2025 included 325 FTEs, the library currently has 274 active employees and about 51 vacancies. Staff credited a new HR recruiting specialist and active recruiting across multiple job portals and college networks for the improvement. The library also said it purchased a new mobile library (bookmobile) to support…