Princeton introduces 2026 budget as library trustees and patrons urge full funding
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Summary
Council introduced a near‑$85 million municipal budget with an anticipated municipal tax rate increase under 3.2%; library trustees and community members urged the council to fully fund library services after the institution cut hours and programs due to budget pressure.
The Princeton Mayor and Council introduced the municipality’s 2026 budget on March 23, with staff and finance leaders describing difficult choices driven by steep increases in nondiscretionary costs and by new operating expenses tied to recent municipal priorities.
Finance chair said the draft municipal budget is just under $85 million and that efforts during committee review reduced an initial larger levy increase to slightly above a 3 percent municipal rate increase when library funding is included. Sandy (municipal finance staff) said group insurance costs rose about 36 percent and account for roughly $1.9 million of additional expense; other nondiscretionary expense drivers include pensions, debt service, utilities and liability insurance. The council noted new revenues from parking, sewer rate adjustments, two new pilot agreements, and hotel‑motel tax receipts from a recently opened hotel.
During the public comment period — held while the budget is still in introduction (final adoption set for April 27) — multiple speakers urged the council to preserve library hours and services. Library trustees and patrons described the Princeton Public Library as a town‑wide resource that serves a broad population, acts as a warming and cooling center and provides extensive youth programming. "In 2025, the library counted over 220,000 checkouts of children's and teen books," a trustee said, and the library ran nearly 900 in‑person children's programs with about 32,000 attendees. Trustees noted the library has already trimmed hours (closing an hour earlier daily) and asked the council to consider full funding so services to children, seniors and underserved residents are maintained.
Council members thanked speakers and reminded the public the budget will be finalized at a later public meeting, giving the public further opportunities to comment before adoption.
Why this matters: The budget sets municipal tax levies and spending priorities that affect residents’ property tax bills and the level of municipal services, including support to nonprofit and town institutions such as the library. The library testimonies emphasized the institution’s role serving children, older adults and people who rely on municipal programming.
Next steps: The budget is scheduled for adoption on April 27; councilmembers and staff said they will continue to review numbers and requested ongoing public input.
