Madison County supervisors voted to authorize $20,000 in county funding for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library through the Mid York Library System, extending a one'year pilot into broader county support despite questions about the request's timing.

Kyle Reager, Town of Cazenovia supervisor, introduced the resolution and said the pilot exceeded targets and enrolled "275 new young readers in just 1 year," arguing the program delivers monthly age-appropriate books during critical early brain development. Reager moved the resolution and Evan (Schwartz) seconded.

Supervisor Pete Walrod and other members questioned the process because the funding request arrived after the county's budget submission deadlines. "I question the process that we, you know, ask all of our department heads to adhere to," Walrod said, arguing the county had denied other late requests in prior cycles. County staff responded that the library system's initial submission did not include the full $20,000 request and that follow-up contact occurred on Sept. 9 and an email from Alicia Davies on Nov. 4; staff said the timing issue, not the program's merits, explained the late appearance on the agenda.

Supporters emphasized demonstrated reach and outcomes. One supervisor noted the program "is benefiting a lot of kids" and urged leniency because the request is targeted to early literacy. After discussion, the board moved to a roll-call vote. The clerk reported "1,151 votes in favor, 117 opposed, 232 absent," and the resolution passed.

The resolution authorizes the chairman to enter into the funding agreement with Mid York Library System and modifies the 2026 adopted county budget to include the $20,000 appropriation. The board's record shows the funding decision followed staff explanations about submission timing and a divided but winning vote.