Library board reviews 2026 budget request, confirms 50% deposit for new digital sign and expansion of digital magazines

The Parkston Public Library Board met and reviewed the library's proposed 2026 budget request, received updates on strategic-plan projects and summer programs, and approved routine items including minutes and the financial report. Board members also confirmed changes to meeting dates and elected officers for the coming year.

The board examined a draft budget the director will submit to the city by the end of the month. Major items highlighted by staff included a requested $2,250 increase to the part-time payroll line to reflect cost-of-living/minimum-wage step increases, a proposed rise in repair-and-maintenance funds from $1,500 to $5,000 (the extra $3,500 primarily to pay for professional carpet shampooing), and a request to add $1,500 to the database line to help preserve access to the Ancestry Library database. Library staff said the statewide subscription for Ancestry could cost roughly $42,000 in total and that the library is discussing a consortium contribution that might be split among participating institutions; the board asked that $1,500 be included in the local request to cover Parkston's share if needed.

Staff reported other budget changes: a modest increase requested for utilities and water/sewer to reflect higher rates (utilities roughly $8,185 higher in the request), an increase in postage to cover recent U.S. Postal Service stamp-price changes, a $165 increase to Minitex cataloging/interlibrary-loan fees, and an additional $1,600 to cover database cost increases. Staff said they expect to trim some audio-visual and print periodical spending as more magazines move to the Libby digital platform.

On project updates, the director said the library has applied to upgrade its accreditation from the "essential" to an "enhanced" level; a determination is expected around the state library conference in September. Work on a new digital sign is moving forward: staff and city project engineers met with Pride Neon, confirmed a final sign location slightly farther south and closer to the Sanborn side of the property line, and noted the sign edge may be sited on the property line after coordination with city staff. A 50% deposit was paid to the sign company, and electrical work by Muth Electric will be billed separately. Staff said several crabapple trees that obstruct sightlines will be removed to improve visibility and traffic safety.

The board also heard that interior improvements are complete or underway: new track lighting has been installed and staff said the shelving and collections appear brighter; staff purchased a digital magazine package via the Libby/OverDrive platform for about $2,000, giving patrons access to nearly 6,000 magazine titles; and the library reported early adoption, with more than 100 magazine checkouts in the first week. Summer reading participation rose compared with last year: staff reported 102 teen registrations this year versus 81 last year, and 225 adult registrations compared with 111 last year.

Financial reporting: board members reviewed May and June bank statements and noted an ending balance of $86,677.28 in June after the sign deposit. The board approved the financial report by voice vote; the director said routine weekly deposits are primarily from book sales, copy fees and membership renewals and that year-to-date revenue is slightly ahead of the prior year.

Annual items and governance: the board held its annual officer elections for the July 2025–June 2026 year. By acclamation, Denny Natt was nominated and elected to continue as board president; Diana Goldhammer was nominated and accepted continuation as vice president. The board confirmed the regular meeting schedule will remain the third Tuesday at 5:15 p.m.; the next meeting was set for Sept. 16 at 5:15 p.m. The director said August will remain a training/busy month without a regular board meeting.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve the meeting agenda — approved by voice vote (recorded as ayes; no roll-call tally in the minutes). - Motion to approve minutes from the previous meeting — approved by voice vote. - Motion to accept the director's written report and updates — approved by voice vote. - Motion to accept the financial report (May/June statements) — approved by voice vote; June ending bank balance noted at $86,677.28 after a 50% sign deposit. - Election of officers: Denny Natt elected president by acclamation; Diana Goldhammer nominated and accepted as vice president by acclamation.

The meeting concluded with brief board input items (status of a repaired children's-room window and an in-progress mural funded through the summer reading program) and adjournment. The director will submit the budget request to city staff for review by the end of the month.