Hastings council approves amended 2025–26 budget on first reading after heated public comments over library, Hoopla and a jet hangar

HASTINGS, Neb. — The Hastings City Council approved an amended first reading of the 2025–26 annual appropriation ordinance on Sept. 15 after a packed public hearing in which dozens of residents urged officials to protect library and museum services threatened by budget cuts.

City Administrator Mark Funke told the council staff had worked to find $360,522 in savings after the council voted last week to lower the tax asking. Funke presented a mix of operating reductions — trimming administrative professional services, cutting training budgets and moving the activity guide to digital only — and tougher service changes that would affect the public directly. “I take full responsibility for, working with the team to meet the requirements of the levy reduction,” Funke said, acknowledging that the proposals would anger many residents.

Speakers at the public-comment portion repeatedly urged the council to preserve Hastings Public Library hours and the library’s Hoopla digital service. Joseph Chapman, library experience supervisor, said the proposal to cut $45,600 in Hoopla funding and to reduce weekend and evening hours — a change estimated to save about $64,000 — would erode access for working families, students and seniors. “Properly informing…