Residents push Beltrami County to reconsider $146,000 library cut ahead of Truth in Taxation process

Several residents and a state representative urged Beltrami County commissioners to restore funding for the Kitchigami Regional Library System and for local transportation services, expressing concern about the impact of a proposed $146,000 cut to library funding.

Speakers during the public-comment portion asked how citizens can use the Truth in Taxation meeting to influence the levy and county budget. One speaker said she had consulted state resources and understood Truth in Taxation meetings limit increases beyond the proposed levy. She asked how to pursue input before the budget is finalized.

Resident Randall Berg, speaking on behalf of several local library supporters, said he understood the board had invited the Kitchigami Regional Library director and Bemidji librarian Sherry Warren to a work session in early November and urged commissioners to revisit the funding decision after hearing from library representatives: "We would look first to those [extraordinary funds available to the county reserves]. But we will be requesting that, the board revisit the issue after it is fully informed, regarding the nature of Kichigami's request, revisit its decision regarding funding for the library." Berg identified the two Beltrami County member libraries as the Bemidji Public Library and the Blackduck Public Library and said the libraries are "a critical institution" for educating citizens.

State Representative Bridal Duran told the board that state mandates and budget pressures are straining counties, and asked residents to understand the limits commissioners face. Cheryl Schafel, a county resident, described how library services and public transportation serve low-income residents who rely on libraries for job applications, resumes and appointments, and on Paul Bunyan Transportation for medical visits: "The people who need the library, the people who need it to do resumes, to do applications for jobs online...The transportation? They need it. Where else are they going to go to get to their doctor's appointments?"

Speakers asked the board how to engage earlier in the budget process; some indicated they plan to follow up by email and to review past minutes. Board members acknowledged public comments and, according to speakers, have scheduled or been requested to schedule further discussion with library representatives; the transcript records residents' understanding of an invitation but does not contain a formal board motion to restore the funding.

No formal vote on library funding was taken at the meeting.