Columbia County rural library director outlines 2026 budget; seeks Commerce grant for solar panels contingent on roof work

Helen, director of the Columbia County Rural Library District, presented the district’s proposed 2026 budget to the board on Dec. 8, describing revenue estimates, staffing adjustments and a potential capital project to install solar panels.

Helen said the beginning cash balance and county investment figures are estimates and that final numbers will be entered after year‑end. The budget increases the books allocation to reflect rising prices, provides cost‑of‑living raises for staff and adds hours for maintenance staff during heavier work periods. She said a $600 capital line item is proposed for a toddler board‑bookcase and that, by handling some maintenance in‑house, the district reduced professional services costs.

On energy improvements, Helen said the district plans to apply for the Department of Commerce’s library capital improvement fund to install solar panels, but added the roof will need replacement if the grant is accepted — meaning the solar project is contingent on both grant approval and roof work. "We will have to replace the roof if the solar project is accepted," she said.

Helen also noted that the budget lists a director line at $70,000 in the draft spreadsheet but said that is a placeholder for bargaining and not necessarily the director's starting salary. She invited commissioners to contact her with questions and said the district will finalize numbers after year‑end close.

The board did not take formal action on the budget at the work session; staff said they would prepare materials for approval next week.