Library board chair asks county to fund new flooring and a $300 natural‑gas increase

Melissa Barker, chairman of the library board, presented the library’s FY2026 requests and urged the budget committee to consider capital work on the library building.

"By state statute the library board is to present the library budget," Barker said, then outlined operating items. The board is asking for the customary 3 percent staff‑wage increase and an additional $300 in the natural‑gas line because of higher winter utility use. Barker said library revenue from copy and fax fees and program income helps offset expenses.

Barker asked the committee to consider replacing carpet that she said dates to the building’s 1990 construction. She reported two contractor quotes: one from Clark (including painting) at about $34,920 and a local Schultz Construction quote near $36,000; Barker said the library prefers a non‑carpet surface and described the carpet’s wear and concern for toddlers who crawl on the floor.

Robbie, the library librarian, confirmed floor area in committee discussion (the transcript records back‑and‑forth about whether the building is 4,000 or 5,000 square feet). Barker said the library had looked for grants through regional partners but noted the McKenon building did not qualify for historic funding; she asked the committee to consider internal building funds or to let the library pursue grant opportunities and report back.

What’s next: The committee did not commit county funds at the meeting but directed staff to look for possible funding sources and to consider the library’s flooring request as part of remaining building funds and the upcoming final budget review.

Quotes in this piece are drawn from the committee transcript and attributed to speakers named in that record.