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Residents and library staff urge Watertown council to restore cuts to public library funding
Summary
Dozens of residents, library staff and local service providers urged Watertown’s Common Council to reverse recent budget cuts to the Watertown Public Library, saying reductions of roughly $100,000–$140,000 would force staff layoffs, reduce hours and jeopardize services for children, seniors and unhoused residents.
Dozens of residents and library employees urged the Watertown Common Council on Dec. 2 to restore recent reductions to the Watertown Public Library budget, saying cuts to operations and staffing will harm local families, older adults and residents who rely on the library for internet access and social services.
Speakers at the meeting’s public-comment period described the library as “a hub of learning, connection and opportunity” and said the 2026 proposal to reduce library funding appeared punitive. Elizabeth Fritz, a Watertown resident, said the timing and scale of the proposed reduction — which she described as $140,000 for 2026 — “create the appearance of retaliation after the library board declined to give $200,000 to the city.” Tina Perinboom, head of youth services at the Watertown Public Library, urged the council to consider the direct effects on children’s programming and family services, saying an 18% cut would “directly impact the families and children and teens that will be directly impacted.”
Library representation at the meeting emphasized operational constraints already in place. Pegcakai, speaking on behalf of the Watertown Public Library, said the library had held materials and non-salary expense budgets flat for two years while costs rose, noted prior staff reductions and zeroed-out programming budgets, and asked council members for clarity about whether cuts would be temporary or ongoing.
Several commenters recounted a library-board meeting at which Alders Smith and Berg requested the library consider providing $200,000 from donated funds to assist with city interest payments; speakers said they were told that refusal would not trigger cuts, and afterward the council reduced library funding (speakers cited both $100,000 and $140,000 figures during the meeting). One commenter characterized that sequence as having “poor optics” and said it could deter future donations.
Aldermen and staff did not, during the public-comment period, offer a change to the adopted position; the council continued its agenda and later approved multiple ordinances and resolutions. The meeting record shows residents asking for more transparent communications from alderpersons about constituent feedback and urging the council to pursue alternate cuts that do not disproportionately affect the library.
The council did not take an immediate vote to restore the library funds during the meeting. Several residents said they would continue to attend meetings and follow up with aldermen.
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT: The council proceeded with other agenda items, including consideration of ordinances and grant resolutions; the meeting concluded after final public comments and an adjournment motion.
SOURCE: Public comments recorded during the Watertown Common Council meeting, Dec. 2 (transcript).
