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Residents urge Clinton council to restore $47,000 library funding as budget passes
Summary
During a public hearing on the FY 2026–27 operating budget, teachers, parents and business owners urged council to reverse a proposed $47,000 reduction to the Clinton Public Library—citing impacts to RiverShare, literacy programs and outreach—while the council proceeded to adopt the budget and said it would review amendments.
Residents and educators urged the Clinton City Council to restore a proposed $47,000 cut to the Clinton Public Library as the council moved forward to adopt the fiscal 2026–27 operating budget.
"The proposed budget cuts put the current library services at risk," said Linda Smithson, a teacher librarian for Clinton Community Schools, arguing that programs such as BLAST and school collaborations are fundamental to student achievement and local workforce readiness. Smithson told the council research shows a $1 investment in libraries yields $4–$5 in community return.
Another speaker, who identified herself only as Selena, listed program metrics and warned of immediate service losses if cuts proceed: "BLAST completed 161 classroom visits and 15 outreach visits this year, reaching more than 3,540 students," she said, and noted the library runs 50 off‑site preschool story times, reaching more than 825 children and a homebound program serving 32 patrons with more than 1,080 items checked out.
Emily Starr, a Clinton resident and small business owner, said the proposed reduction would eliminate RiverShare access that supplements the local collection: "Without RiverShare, every week I will need to go to the Quad Cities to pick up books at significant time and expense," she said, urging the council to identify alternative cuts.
A child speaker, Logan Starr, described how RiverShare helped him check out books quickly and encouraged the council to find a solution so younger children would not lose access.
Council members acknowledged the concerns and said they would review the budget more closely. Council member Kearns said cuts were made across departments and suggested the council should revisit budget decisions; Council member Winter urged a follow‑up meeting to consider amendments but noted the budget deadline was imminent.
Despite the public comments, Council member Kearns moved to adopt the FY 2026–27 operating budget. The motion carried on roll call with the members recorded in favor.
The council said it may consider amendments after adoption and invited department heads and staff to participate in continued budget review; the council set the meeting schedule and indicated May 12 as a date for further action if needed.
