Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Cuts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board debates state and federal cuts: parks passes, magazines and internet funding in focus
Summary
Trustees reviewed likely federal and state funding cuts affecting library services — including the parks-pass program, Flipster magazine access, cooperative e-book programs, and the E‑Rate internet subsidy — and directed staff to budget for internet costs while deferring final decisions on other services until May.
The Carmel-by-the-Sea Public Library board discussed potential service reductions after state and federal budget cuts that affect library programs and subscriptions and directed staff to budget for potential internet costs while continuing analysis on other programs.
Library staff told trustees that state funding for the California State Parks pass program will sunset in December 2025. The library currently circulates 39 park passes; staff reported roughly 300 checkouts so far this fiscal year (349 the prior year). Staff estimated replacing and operating 39 passes privately would cost roughly $5,000 per year and offered the board lower-cost options such as maintaining 5–10 passes instead of the full set.
On municipal subscriptions and digital services, trustees discussed Flipster, a digital magazine product, and cooperative e-book purchasing platforms. Staff said Flipster would cost the library about $3,000–$6,000 next year based on available subsidies and recommended eliminating Flipster because patrons already have access to many periodicals through Libby and the library’s in‑house copies.
Trustees also discussed online access to national newspapers. Staff advised there was no firm state decision yet concerning subscriptions to the New York Times online service and that usage statistics from the state would be needed to assess local demand.
On federal support, staff warned that E‑Rate, the federal program that subsidizes library internet, faces litigation and uncertainty. Trustees directed staff to budget for internet and telephone costs in the FY26 preliminary budget so the library can pay bills even if E‑Rate funding is reduced or eliminated. Staff said they preferred budgeting for the potential loss of E‑Rate up front rather than relying on reserve transfers or mid‑year emergency adjustments.
Trustees signaled parks passes were likely nonessential if cuts are required, though several trustees acknowledged the program brings some patrons into the library. The board asked staff to bring options (including a 5–10 pass scenario with cost estimates) to the May meeting so trustees could provide clear guidance to the Carmel Public Library Foundation (CPLF) ahead of its own budget work.
