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Library director warns of funding cuts to databases; E‑rate and county funds under discussion
Summary
Library staff reported possible reductions in state and federal library funding streams that could cut the library’s database offerings, described a donor-funded Ancestry subscription, discussed interlibrary-loan postage costs and library purchases, and requested coordination with facilities for building maintenance line items.
Becky, a library staff member, briefed the City Council on May 20 about the library’s FY25–26 requests and funding uncertainties, highlighting potential reductions to shared services and the need to clarify where certain building and maintenance costs should be budgeted.
Becky said a federal/state program change has reduced budget support for the State Library (TSLAC) and that, as a result, some statewide funding for databases may be cut. She said staff had been told E‑rate funding (for internet) will continue through 2026, but that the library could lose access to many databases — she said the library currently offers about 60 databases and that number could shrink to roughly 15 beginning in June unless alternative funding is found.
Becky noted a community donor underwrites the library’s Ancestry subscription (about $2,000) and that county support through the commissioner’s court provides material funds: she said she is scheduled to receive about $23,000 next year from the county, with 75% of that money required to be spent on books or materials per the county’s condition. Becky also described routine costs for interlibrary-loan postage and higher unit costs for library-bound books.
Councilors and staff discussed budgeting clarity: several repair and maintenance items that were historically in the library budget should move to facilities or the citywide maintenance account. Becky said staff and Rudy are working to reclassify those items so facility maintenance appears in the correct line items.
Becky described program-level needs (laptops for cataloging, circulation desk coverage, and minor furniture and supplies) and said staff will continue to manage purchases through blanket purchase orders to allow steady acquisitions through the fiscal year.
No formal changes were adopted; staff will return with reclassified budget lines and additional detail on database funding for the next meeting.
