Library director reports on budget, capital repairs and technology upgrades; board approves final budget

The West Bend Community Memorial Library Board approved the library’s final budget to forward to the City of West Bend common council and heard detailed updates from Library Director Steve on capital repairs, technology upgrades and facilities work.

Steve told the board that the city is proposing a roughly 6% increase to the library’s operating allocation for the coming year—above the typical 4% citywide increase—and that the library’s operating budget has limited non-payroll flexibility. “Our budget doesn’t have a lot of room to take money from,” Steve said, noting that materials were trimmed to help cover costs while the city seeks to bring staff salaries up to competitive levels.

The board voted to approve the final budget as presented. A motion to approve the budget was made and seconded; the board carried the motion by voice vote.

Steve also described capital reallocation and maintenance work following recent storm-related flooding at the building. He said slate removal originally budgeted at a…