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Library staff tell advisory board a $1.42M levy or reallocated funds are needed to restore hours and staffing
Summary
Belgrade library staff told the advisory board that a proposed $1,416,718 levy (or reallocation of $450,000 from the city general fund plus $350,000 for staffing) is needed to cover operating shortfalls driven by a larger new facility, staffing shortages and rising costs; board members urged careful messaging and no levy date has been set.
At a meeting of the Belgrade Community Library Advisory Board, library staff presented usage gains and a funding shortfall and recommended pursuing a $1,416,718 levy or seeking general-fund reallocation to cover operations, staff wages and expanded programs.
The presenter told the board that after reopening on April 5 the library saw a large rise in visits — "in April we had over 13,000 visits" — and had about 1,400 new library card sign-ups from January through October. The facility is now roughly 26,000 square feet but the staff roster is nine people (down from about 10 at the prior 9,000-square-foot facility), and the library currently offers 36 hours of public service per week. The presenter said the Montana State Library public-library standards recommend a minimum of 40 hours and a desirable target of 50–60 hours weekly.
To address the gap, staff outlined three options: (1) place a library levy on the ballot; (2) request reallocation of existing city general-fund dollars (the library currently receives about $450,000 from the general fund); or (3) maintain the current operational budget and accept further service reductions. The presenter said the total new levy amount needed would be $1,416,718 "to cover inflation, staff wages, materials, and new programs," and that raising staffing by seven positions (two full-time, five part-time) would cost about $350,000. The presenter characterized the combined need as roughly $800,000 beyond existing library revenue if the $450,000 general-fund support were freed up.
The board discussed practical and political trade-offs. One member noted that "once it's in the general fund, the city commission can do what they feel is necessary," and another expressed concern about voter fatigue from repeated tax measures. A board member asked whether a levy would be run as a ballot measure and what election costs would be; the presenter said that a levy date has not been determined and that the library foundation might assist with election expenses.
Board members emphasized messaging. A member cautioned that comparisons such as "the cost of a new hardcover book" may not persuade all voters and called for careful outreach. The chair encouraged members to help promote library usage and public understanding of the library's needs.
The presenter also reviewed program and partnership activity: a holiday gift-wrapping station Dec. 8–23 (in partnership with Family Promise), Holiday Hoopla Dec. 13 (with the school district, Chamber of Commerce and Belgrade Coalition), higher program attendance at recent events and a $14,000 grant for a Charlie cart from the Sample Foundation (the presenter did not confirm an alternate foundation name during the meeting).
Votes at a glance: the board approved the minutes from the Sept. 23 meeting (motion made and seconded; result recorded as accepted by voice vote); the board voted to accept the presented 2026 meeting calendar (motion made and seconded; carried by voice vote); the board moved to adjourn the December meeting (motion made and seconded; carried). Specific roll-call tallies were not recorded in the transcript.
The advisory board did not set a date for any levy; the presenter asked only that the board discuss options and help prepare community outreach. The meeting concluded after routine motions and adjournment.
