North Las Vegas Library District previews tentative $7.4 million budget, eyes capital reserves for growth

The North Las Vegas Library District Board of Trustees on May 27 reviewed a tentative fiscal year 2025–26 budget that relies principally on property tax revenue and includes plans to build reserve funds for future capital needs.

The presentation, delivered to trustees as a discussion item, showed a tax rate of 6.32 cents per $100 of assessed valuation for the district and projected property-tax revenue rising from about $6.3 million in the current fiscal year to roughly $7.4 million in 2025–26. The budget document lists other smaller revenue sources such as estimated fines and room-rental fees, but staff emphasized property taxes as the primary funding stream.

In presenting the tentative budget, library staff noted recent operational expansions that have increased recurring costs: both Alexander and Aliante branches are open six days per week, with extended 9 a.m.–9 p.m. coverage on Wednesdays and Thursdays; the district has added several full-time positions, including a three-person outreach team and a development manager position focused on partnerships and fundraising.

Staff said the services-and-supplies category in the draft budget is higher than prior years because it includes estimated full-year coverage for expected material purchases and an allowance for emergency building expenses; they said the line likely will not be spent in full but is included to ensure contingency coverage.

Board materials and staff commentary described two budget-management priorities: keep operating spending cautious while the district grows, and accumulate reserves that could be transferred into a dedicated capital account for future building expansion or refresh work. Staff reported the Alliante branch, built in 2006, will likely need cosmetic work such as painting and refinishing; carpets were previously replaced and are not anticipated to be a current-year expense.

The presentation also described programmatic investments and partnerships intended to increase library usage: expanded outreach into downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, a bilingual outreach manager and staff fluent in Spanish, an emphasis on small-business programming at the Alliante branch in partnership with workforce-connections partners, and potential classroom offerings at the Alexander branch in cooperation with Nevada State University.

The budget was presented for discussion only; trustees did not vote on the tentative budget at the May 27 meeting. Any changes, and the district’s final budget adoption, will follow the city’s prescribed budget process and must move through the city’s budget and audit procedures.