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Library director outlines services and warns state law changes could force cuts
Summary
Christa Led Better, director of the county library, reviewed services, programs and budget composition and said proposed state changes to local income tax would likely reduce library revenue, risking staff cuts and reduced hours.
Christa Led Better, director of the library, briefed Morgan County commissioners May 4 on library operations, usage and budgetary pressure, and urged continued county support as state law changes loom.
Led Better told commissioners the library system dates to 1906 in Martinsville, expanded over the decades and now operates six locations (three large buildings and three smaller rented branches). She said 2026 operating revenue is about $3.48 million with a debt fund balance shown in the packet; roughly 54% of revenue comes from property taxes and about 40% from local income tax (LIT) shares.
“We no longer charge overdue fines,” Led Better said, describing a policy change she said removed a regressive barrier to access. She highlighted more than 100,000 visits, more than 133,000 e‑content checkouts across three platforms (Libby, Hoopla, Canopy) and more than 1,000 programs attended by more than 16,000 people last year, including youth and community classes.
Led Better warned that Senate Enrolled Act One and changes to LIT could reduce the library’s revenue share beginning in 2029 and said personnel would be the primary source of any required reductions: “If our budget gets cut…that’s where it’s going to have to come from for us.” She said cuts could mean fewer open hours and possible closure of locations given personnel is the largest expenditure.
Board members thanked Led Better and asked questions about governance and budgeting. Library board member Chad Crummer introduced himself earlier in the meeting and spoke about capital improvements including solar installations and a Monrovia branch refresh.
Why it matters: The library provides wide community services—physical collections, digital access, meeting space and programs—and relies heavily on county and LIT revenue. Anticipated changes to state revenue allocation could force service reductions unless alternative funding is found.
Next steps: Commissioners noted the problem and will continue budget oversight; library and county staff will monitor the legislative impacts and report back as projections become clearer.
