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Surprise Public Library reports 98.5% FY25 spending, outlines FY26 budget and asset investments
Summary
Library staff reported FY25 operations at 98.5% spent with $11,000 unspent, highlighted grants and donations (SGIA ~$7,000; LSTA ~$12,000), and outlined FY26 line‑item increases for utilities, IT/security and programming plus an asset replacement plan.
Library staff presented a fiscal review at the Sept. 11 Surprise Public Library Advisory Commission meeting, saying the library spent 98.5% of its operational budget in fiscal year 2025 and left about $11,000 unspent. The presentation recapped the transition from county‑provided services to city operations and described FY26 adjustments for inflation, utilities and information‑security needs.
The presenter said SGIA state aid of about $7,000 and several LSTA grants (roughly $12,000 total) supported expansion projects and the library’s "library of things." Staff described a mix of ongoing general‑fund revenue for operations and variable revenues such as donations and grants for program expansion. "We spent 98.5 percent of our operational budget," the presenter said, adding that city funding also supported one‑time asset purchases.
Officials detailed recent asset replacements paid from city funds, including a new circulation desk, RFID pads and barcode scanners intended to streamline staff workflows. The presenter said the city also approved an asset‑replacement schedule so items such as training tables and technical equipment are budgeted for future replacement. Staff noted FY25 personnel, supplies and services largely matched typical government budget buckets and that city management had provided additional funding to cover utility and IT security cost increases for FY26.
Staff emphasized customer‑service metrics and program growth as justification for modest line‑item increases. Since the city assumed operations, the library’s registered cardholders grew from about 30,000 to 40,000, and FY25 included roughly 1,500 programs with nearly 42,000 program attendees, the presenter said. Staff also said printing and replacement fees generated about $6,000 in revenue but that fines were being minimized or waived to encourage patron return.
Asked about facilities and building maintenance, staff said the city handles major building systems and that the library has created a first-ever asset replacement list to plan longer‑term capital needs. There were no formal budget votes at the Advisory Commission meeting; the presentation served as an informational recap and a preview of FY26 priorities and line items.
