After debate over process, Madison County approves $20,000 for Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Loading...
Summary
The Board approved a $20,000 post‑budget allocation to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library through Mid York Library System after members debated whether the request missed the standard submission deadline. Supporters cited enrollment gains; opponents cited process fairness.
The Madison County Board of Supervisors voted Nov. 20 to allocate $20,000 to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library through the Mid York Library System, extending funding after a one-year pilot that county presenters said boosted early-literacy enrollment.
Kyle Reager, Town of Cazenovia supervisor, moved Resolution 24 and summarized the pilot’s results: "Through the careful use of the county's funds, the program exceeded its target that they shared with us last year by more than 10% and successfully enrolled 275 new young readers in just 1 year," Reager said. He described the countywide outreach and fundraising that supported expansion.
Supervisor Pete Walrod objected to the timing of the request. "I question the process that we... ask all of our department heads to adhere to; all the other not-for-profits have adhered to," Walrod said, arguing that the late submission should weigh against making the funding exception. County staff explained the submission timeline: initial outreach to nonprofits occurred in July, a follow-up email was sent Sept. 9, and the county received a relevant email on Nov. 4.
Supporters said the program primarily relies on volunteers and produces direct benefits to children. "I think this is really worthwhile," said an ally on the floor, arguing the board has made exceptions in the past for high-impact community initiatives. The motion passed on roll call with the clerk recording 1,151 votes in favor, 117 opposed and 232 absent; the meeting record reflects the resolution "passes."
What this means: The $20,000 is a post‑budget authorization to maintain program continuity while the library system continues fundraising and seeks sustainable funding sources. The resolution also included a modification to the 2026 adopted county budget to account for the allocation.
Next steps: The Mid York Library System and local library partners will continue outreach and reporting to the board as requested under the adopted resolution.
