Library board approves supplemental funds for Isleton library abatement, adopts FY 2025–26 final budget

The Sacramento Public Library Authority voted to allocate supplemental funds to address construction cost overruns at the Isleton library campus and adopted the authority’s final budget for fiscal year 2025–26.

Supplemental funding for Isleton: After staff described the Isleton project and recent cost increases, the board approved a request to allocate $27,526 from the authority’s Isleton supplemental fund to River Delta Unified School District. Deputy Director Keller explained the situation: construction work that began in July had been expected to finish in early October, but contractors uncovered unexpected dry rot and abatement needs and additional hazardous‑materials abatement tied to older adhesives and finishes. Those discoveries reduced the project budget available for new carpeting, creating a $27,739 shortfall; the district agreed to cover a portion ($213), and the authority voted to release $27,526 from supplemental reserves so the project can be completed and the branch reopened.

Keller said the Isleton location is a joint‑use facility on River Delta Unified School District property and that the supplemental fund balance was established under the joint powers agreement (JPA) to help member jurisdictions cover capital maintenance. He told the board that, if the supplemental allocation is approved and the city/district completes its local approvals, staff expects the Isleton library could reopen in early November; without the supplemental funding, carpet replacement and related completion items would be delayed.

Final budget adoption: The board also adopted Resolution No. 25‑50, the fiscal year 2025–26 final budget, position control list and fee structure. Finance staff presented key line items: total projected revenues of $63.3 million and projected expenditures of $69.9 million, producing a planned use of fund balance of roughly $6.6 million (an increase of about $940,000 from the adopted May budget). Staff recommended carrying one‑time expenditures forward to complete delayed projects — including signage, security cameras, automated material‑handling systems and routers — and using fund balance for one‑time reopening collections for Martin Luther King and Elk Grove libraries.

Johnny Ih, the authority’s finance presenter, said the revenue mix is led by county property tax (about 59.3%), Sacramento general fund and Measure Y at 19.4%, Measure E at 16.4% (effective July 1, 2025, consolidating previous measures), and miscellaneous revenue for the remainder. Staff noted that a $2.0 million general‑fund diversion to support the Martin Luther King and North Sacramento projects is included for 2025–26, with an additional $2.0 million planned for 2026–27.

Facilities and operations update: Library Director Peter Coyle and deputy director Keller reviewed multiple renovation and closure projects systemwide. Coyle noted recent and upcoming 50th‑anniversary celebrations for Southgate and Rancho Cordova branches and said several facilities will undergo HVAC, ADA and roof work that will require temporary closures; library staff are coordinating with member jurisdictions and using mobile and outreach services where feasible. Colonial Heights remains closed following earlier damage; the authority does not own branch buildings (member jurisdictions do) and staff said they are working with city officials on permits and insurance issues.

Board action and votes: The board approved the Isleton supplemental allocation by formal vote and adopted the FY 2025–26 final budget and position control. Board members asked staff to keep affected communities informed about closures and to post updated facility status information to the library website.

Why it matters: The supplemental allocation is a targeted, one‑time use of JPA supplemental funds to complete a local capital project and reopen a branch. The adopted budget relies on prior fund balances and one‑time allocations to complete delayed capital work while maintaining operations; staff said five‑year forecasts were used to evaluate sustainability.

What’s next: Staff will work with River Delta Unified School District and Isleton city staff to finalize approvals and coordinate reopening; the finance team will continue to close FY 2024–25 books, prepare the audit and begin implementation of the FY 2025–26 projects described in the budget package.