The Darby Public Library presented its preliminary fiscal 2026 budget to the Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners on May 28, 2025, reporting steady operations at its $180,000 annual budget and several recent capital repairs.

Library director Stacy said the library used recent funds to replace flooring (~$20,000), repair decorative logs ($12,000) and install a copper cap to keep moisture out. The library installed ADA-accessible automatic door openers on the front entry and plans to add a Knox Box for emergency access. The library also hired an adult-programming coordinator (part of a $30,000 budget increase implemented previously) and reported increased public programming and fundraising changes: the local 501(c)(3) fundraising arm dissolved and the library moved existing endowed funds ($350,000) into the Montana Community Foundation, from which the library receives an annual distribution (estimated to reach about $12,000 a year when fully phased in).

Commissioners asked the library to show a dedicated building reserve line in the budget rather than relying solely on year-end cash carryforward. Stacy agreed to identify a committed contribution (for example, $10,000 per year) and to show that allocation in the budget worksheets; commissioners suggested using cash carryforward and planned contributions to create a predictable capital reserve for roof, floor and other building work. The board also reviewed board membership process for the library and agreed to accept the library's appointment process (library board elections followed by county acceptance). No formal budget adoption occurred; the presentation was advisory pending final budget hearings.

Stacy said the library's cash balance is approximately $10,000 in the building reserve currently and that total cash carryforward available to the library is about $64,000. Commissioners recommended budget lines be adjusted to show a recurring building-reserve contribution to avoid surprises when a large maintenance project arises.