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Kenosha County libraries present budget; revenue rise tied to municipality change
Summary
New Kenosha County Library System director Sarah Thompson presented a 2026 budget focused on technology and delivery; a notable revenue increase reflects one municipality (Randall) withdrawing from a joint library agreement and paying county library tax.
Sarah Thompson, the new director for Kenosha County Libraries, told the finance committee she supports a streamlined 2026 budget that prioritizes public-service spending, particularly technology and internet access. "Kenosha libraries are unique in many ways," Thompson said, explaining the county system funnels funding directly into public service rather than overhead.
Thompson said the system recorded over 92,000 public-computer uses and nearly 300,000 wireless sessions last year, and the proposed budget continues funding for digital resources, delivery services (statutorily required), and interlibrary payments paid under state statute for services to nonresidents.
She told the committee the most significant revenue increase in the library budget stems from Randall's decision to leave a joint library agreement and instead pay the county library tax; "their constituents will be treated as nonresidents," Thompson said, which changes where the revenue is reflected in the county budget. Thompson said total system spending remains focused on public services despite that shift.
Vice Chair moved approval of the library budget and the committee approved it after members asked about the source of increased revenue tied to Randall's change in participation.
Thompson closed by describing a patron story to illustrate how library technology access supported a small-business outcome, noting the practical impact of library-funded equipment and staff assistance.
