The Utica City Council on Dec. 9 approved a request from library staff to begin preparations and outreach for a millage renewal to appear on the Aug. 2026 ballot.

Library representative Miss Francis told the council the item in the packet was an informal request to begin the process; the council approved the motion to allow staff to start drafting language and outreach plans. Miss Francis said the library is starting earlier than in past cycles to avoid last-minute issues and that Linda will assist with ballot language.

Separately, the council approved the reappointment of library trustee Christy Duder to a five-year term after the library board’s recommendation. Torenzi moved the reappointment and O’Donnell supported the motion; the deputy clerk recorded a unanimous roll-call vote in favor.

Council members noted the library’s bake sale and tree-lighting events as local programming to support outreach efforts.