Goshen council unanimously adopts Ordinance 52 33 to approve 2026 public library budget

The Goshen City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 52 33 on second and final reading on Oct. 27, approving the proposed 2026 Goshen Public Library budget.

Anne Margaret Rice, director of the Goshen Public Library, told the council the library issued bonds last fall to finance an HVAC replacement project that is ‘‘now well underway, with this expected completion date in the spring.’’ She said bond issuance triggers a binding review process required under Indiana law and offered to answer council questions about the budget.

During a brief question-and-answer period, Greg Laughlin, the library’s business manager and treasurer, explained a line item labeled "property tax cap impact" is a legacy requirement from earlier budget rules. “It’s a leftover from when they … gave us a number that put in there,” Laughlin said, adding that the item remains on budgets although it is calculated differently now and future amounts are not specified.

Council President Weddle moved for passage on second reading, a motion seconded by Reetsecker. The council took a voice vote; the motion passed unanimously. Council members were reminded to sign the ordinance after the meeting.

The ordinance implements the library’s 2026 appropriations and tax rates and follows the library’s previously approved bond issuance for capital work. Rice said the renovation work is expected to finish in spring; no additional funding shortfalls or staff reductions were reported during the discussion.

Next steps: The ordinance is adopted; staff will finalize paperwork and the library continues construction on the HVAC project.