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Library board seeks 2% levy increase; committee approves $1,650 HVAC upgrade
Summary
The Personnel & Finance Committee approved a $1,650.50 change order to convert the library HVAC to a two‑stage system to address humidity and received the library board's request to set a preliminary 2026 levy at $155,840 (a 2% increase). The levy motion will go to full council after one member voiced opposition at committee.
The Brainerd City Personnel & Finance Committee on Sept. 2 approved a small change order to address humidity in the public library and heard a separate request to raise the library’s preliminary 2026 levy.
City staff described the HVAC item as a Gordian‑procured balance and repair job carried out by Hi‑Tech. Nick Broy said Hi‑Tech recommended converting one unit from single‑stage to two‑stage to allow the two compressors to operate cooperatively, which is expected to improve efficiency and reduce humidity. The incremental cost for that change is $1,650.50 and will be paid from the capital fund. A committee member supported the change, noting it will help the two units “talk to each other” and reduce humidity. The motion to approve the $1,650.50 delta passed by voice vote.
Separately, Connie Hillman presented a library board letter asking for a $155,840 levy request for 2026 (a 2% increase over 2025). Hillman said the packet also included the legal minimum support amount for 2026 (about $116,900) and a historical levy table. A motion to set the preliminary library levy at the requested amount was moved and seconded; one member voiced opposition and members indicated they would take the item upstairs to the full council for final action.
Next steps: the HVAC vendor will complete the two‑stage conversion under the approved change order; staff will transmit the library levy request and committee recommendation to the council for final consideration and publish required levy notices.
