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NCW Libraries seeks county representative; board hears overview of services and budget pressures
Summary
NCW Libraries executive director described services covering Okanogan County and requested the board help recruit a county representative to the regional library board; staff noted budget pressures and the importance of rural services such as mail‑order delivery.
Barbara Walters, executive director of NCW Libraries, briefed the commissioners about system services that include eight libraries in Okanogan County and mail‑order services that provide materials to rural residents.
Walters said the system is preparing an expansion/renovation at the Omak branch and has received state funding for renovations that will add meeting rooms for community programming. She described telehealth booths being piloted in libraries to provide private spaces for telehealth appointments, interviews or secure calls where Internet access is limited.
Walters explained the library is primarily funded by property tax revenue (about 90–96% of revenue) and faces long‑term pressure from levy rate declines caused by the tax cap; the board is planning 5–10% budget reductions and staff described the need for trustees with finance and governance experience to help guide difficult budget choices.
Walters asked the county to encourage qualified applicants for an Okanogan County seat on the NCW Libraries board; trustees are appointed to seven‑year terms and may be reappointed for a second term per RCW 27.12. The commissioners said they would circulate the opportunity to potential applicants and work with auditor staff on the appointment process if candidates apply.
