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Library foundation urges continued planning while budget uncertainty looms
Summary
Anne Clough of the Yankton Library Foundation thanked the commission for survey results and urged more in-depth discussions about a new library's location and design, while acknowledging the 'I am 28' sales-tax measure could affect funding decisions.
Anne Clough, representing the Yankton Library Foundation and a former city employee, told the commission the foundation is motivated to support the study’s findings and urged continued, in-depth conversations about a possible new library site and design.
Clough noted the community survey showed support for a larger facility and that the current building is about 15,000 square feet while concepts under consideration are typically more than 30,000 square feet. She asked the commission to continue working with the foundation and to use upcoming meetings to inform the public and gather feedback before committing to construction.
City Manager Amy Leon acknowledged the survey and said the library concept is on the capital plan; she cautioned that larger facility planning should be balanced against fiscal uncertainty, including the pending state 'I am 28' initiative that may affect operating revenue. Leon urged that the city not ask the community to build a facility it might be unable to operate without a sustainable funding plan.
The foundation said it will present more detailed findings on August 27 and invited commissioners to additional meetings to help refine options and locations. No formal decision or vote occurred; staff recommended additional public engagement and a staged planning approach before any capital commitment.
