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Otis Library requests larger city support as federal revenue and passport service drop
Summary
Otis Library told the council that loss of passport processing and potential federal/state cuts left the library $— and staff wages below regional comparators; the library seeks a 7% increase to city support to help salaries and continue services.
Representatives of Otis Library described tightening finances at a Norwich City Council budget hearing and asked for increased support to stabilize staff wages and replace aging building systems.
The library’s representative (S12) told councilors the removal of passport application services by the U.S. Department of State and the prospect of federal and state library funding cuts have hit Otis’s revenues and ability to provide services. "In 24/25, we brought in about 8,700 [in passport revenue]… and at the time that we were shut down, we were actually 23% ahead of our budget projection for 25/26," the representative said, calling the lost income significant.
S12 outlined several capital concerns: one HVAC unit needs replacement with an estimate of $500,000–$600,000 and a rear elevator nearing end of life. The representative said the library’s materials budget is about $51,000 annually but for a library its size should be about $200,000.
The library reported an annual operating budget of $1,748,715 and said it receives $1,307,007.66 from the general fund; the organization requested a 7% increase from city funding, with the increase to be dedicated to staff salaries to improve retention and competitiveness. S12 also said Otis relies on fundraising, endowment (about $6 million), grants and fees for the remainder of its budget.
Councilors asked whether the city pays for library capital maintenance; S12 said the city does not pay the library’s capital costs but public works provides maintenance support. Parking near the library — currently paid for by the library — was raised as a continuing operational strain.
The council did not take a formal vote on the library’s request at the hearing; members asked for follow‑up materials, including a report on the number of calls handled by the regional animal/animal control partner referenced in the session.
