Board hears tentative 2026 budget outlook; staff addresses media confusion over ‘30%’ county tax headline

Library Director Josh Johnson and staff presented the tentative 2026 budget and a five-year outlook at the Nov. 13 meeting, emphasizing the operational impacts of rising costs and multi-year planning for capital work.

Jenny Tankersley noted local media coverage about a proposed 30% increase to the county general fund had caused confusion among residents: “A lot of folks come in and think their whole bill is gonna go up for 30%,” she said, and staff clarified that the library’s levy is a separate line item from the county general fund. Director Johnson and others explained that the county has not increased general-fund revenue since 2016 and that 32% cumulative inflation over that span has eroded buying power.

The director described a tentative $200,000 operational request for off-site locations and said the county will continue to prioritize bond funds for capital projects. Johnson said the library expects to charge certain items to the books and materials line and to use bond funds first for construction where applicable; he also discussed the need to preserve reciprocal borrowing equity with neighboring Weber County.

Board members asked for additional detail on materials spending (physical versus digital) and for a follow-up explanation of the allocations and encumbrances used for ordering; staff agreed to provide a materials-spend breakdown in early 2026. Johnson noted the board will have opportunities to revise the tentative budget before the county commission approves final numbers.