Perkins trust approves $21,866 FY2026 operating budget; trustees debate using library sales-tax funds for part‑time librarian

The Perkins Public Library Trust approved its operating budget for fiscal year 2026, adopting a plan that lists $21,866 in expected budgeted authority at the June 5 meeting.

Trust members reviewed line items and asked for clarifications about capital outlay, insurance and supplies. A trust member noted the capital-outlay line is intended for tangible assets such as furniture or equipment that the trust may purchase. Trustees asked whether the budget reflects the trust’s current cash balance; staff explained that the budget is an estimate and the official numbers will be updated after the city auditor finalizes accounts.

The meeting included a substantive discussion about using the library sales-tax account to fund a part‑time librarian position. A staff member told trustees, “I made the decision and I recommended to the city commission that we take it's actually in the budget as 12,500 for this fiscal year that we're in. It's gonna come out to be 10,000 ish. That'll come out of that to fund that part time library position.” The staff member said the city planned this as a one‑time use for the current year, not a permanent change: “I will say it is not my intention to take that $12.05, or 10,000, whatever it comes out to be from that budget every year.”

Other trustees expressed concern. One trustee said, “I think my concern is just it seems like a bit of a slippery slope to start using that money for salaries,” and another emphasized it would be illegal to supplant general‑fund dollars by reducing a general‑fund library allocation because of the new sales-tax revenue. Staff responded that the sales-tax ordinance as written allows for operations and that the change was documented in the city-approved budget for the coming year.

Trustees approved the consent agenda earlier in the meeting, which included minutes from prior meetings, financial reports and blanket purchase orders for fiscal year 2026. The motion to approve the consent agenda passed with recorded “yes” votes from Charlotte Parag, Melissa Mills, Linda Bridal and Brian Huckaby.

Board members also reviewed the trust’s current cash position and purchase orders. Staff said the trust had approximately $24,000 in checking, and after approving approximately $36 in purchase orders the trust would have about $21,301 remaining for near‑term obligations such as utilities, insurance and the auditor fee. Trustees discussed the administrative flexibility to move budget lines by amendment if unexpected needs arise.

No formal policy change on recurring use of sales-tax revenue for salaries was adopted at the meeting; the staff member said the city commission and future budgets will address ongoing funding decisions.