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West Fargo Library presents conservative 2026 preliminary budget with 2.5% COLA; state aid uncertainty noted
Summary
Library staff presented a conservative preliminary 2026 budget adjusted to include a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The presentation noted a $7,000 year-over-year change and warned of potential impacts if federal IMLS funding to the state library is reduced.
Library staff presented a preliminary 2026 budget that incorporates a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment requested by the city commission. Staff said that, with the COLA, the year-over-year change in the library operating budget is just over $7,000.
The director explained the library has constrained its budget lines, keeping most flat or reduced except for unavoidable contractual increases (for example, a space lease that increases 3% annually). Staff said the library's conservative approach is intended to preserve existing service levels and staffing while responding to the city's overall tight budget environment, including a statewide 3% property-tax cap adopted by the legislature.
Board members asked how dependent the library is on state-provided digital resources and what would happen if state funding changes. Staff said the library currently contributes about $4,000 per month toward the state consortium (which helps fund Libby and other shared e-resources) and also budgets separately for the local collection. The director said the state library receives federal IMLS funding that comprises roughly one-third of its budget; if that funding were reduced, the state library might reduce contributions to collections and digital resources, but the library had not yet modeled specific adjustments.
Board members asked whether the preliminary budget is on track for finalization. Staff said the city commission will review the city's preliminary budget on July 21 and that October is the legal deadline for final adoption; staff will bring updates as the commission finalizes its preliminary budget. Staff also explained that the city has been working to project health-insurance expenses more accurately, which accounts for a roughly $70 reduction line item compared with prior projections; the director said that reflects more accurate budgeting rather than a change to plan design.
No formal vote was required on the budget at this meeting; staff said they will return with further updates and final figures as the city process continues.
