Library board asks county association for 5% funding increase, $2,000 extra for tech pool

The Waverly Public Library Board voted to submit a formal funding request through the Bremer County Library Association asking the Bremer County Board of Supervisors for a 5% increase in the county allotment for next year and an additional $2,000 for the countywide technology-education allocation.

Board members noted the county allotment has not increased in several years and that the current contract amount (discussed in the meeting) is $190,000. The board discussed using the county request to reflect inflation and growing costs; one member suggested a minimal cost-of-business increase aligned with projected 2026 cost-of-living figures (approximately 2.7–2.8%). Others argued that, given multiple years of no increase, it would be reasonable to seek something bolder—board consensus produced the motion for a 5% increase and a $2,000 uplift to the technology pool.

The board recognized that the Bremer County Library Association aggregates requests from the seven county libraries and presents a single recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, typically in January; the board’s representative to the county association was named as Bob Warren (though he was listed as absent from this meeting). The board instructed staff to submit the request in December so it can be included in the association’s consolidated submission.

Board members noted the $5,000 technology-education allocation has historically been divided among seven libraries (less than $1,000 per library) and that some libraries now use their share for equipment purchases rather than strictly for classes. The board’s motion would increase that pool to $7,000 total.

The motion passed by voice vote. Board members noted that a request does not guarantee the Board of Supervisors will approve an increase; the association’s consolidated request will inform the county deliberations.