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Friends of the Library asks Port St. Joe commission for more funds after usage spike
Summary
Friends of the Port St. Joe Public Library described expanding programs and cited rising usage; the group asked the commission to raise the city’s contribution from $8,000 to $15,000. The commission approved an immediate $7,000 supplement and agreed to consider increasing the budgeted amount.
Kathy Colbert, president of the Friends of the Library, told the Port St. Joe City Commission that library programs — from preschool storytime and STEM activities to a seed-library and instrument lending — are serving thousands and requested increased municipal support.
Colbert said the library had 2,473 patron visits in March and that roughly one in four Gulf County residents hold a library card; she described a summer-reading kickoff on June 12 and a continuing slate of adult and children’s programs supported by volunteers and grants. "We write grants just as you do," Colbert said, and noted most library materials have been purchased with Friends of the Library fundraising.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the library’s services — including Wi‑Fi for students, notary assistance, and cultural exhibits — support both residents and the local tourism economy. The commission debated whether tourism-directed funding (TDC) could help fill staffing shortfalls but noted TDC decisions require county-level approval and are constrained by the county commission and administrator.
After the presentation Commissioner Hopp moved to provide an immediate $7,000 supplemental payment on top of the $8,000 already budgeted and to include a $15,000 allocation in next year’s budget; Commissioner Carrian seconded the motion. The motion passed on a 4–0 voice vote.
The commission and public commenters praised recent library programs and urged expedited support for one staff vacancy at the library. Commissioners asked staff to note the funding request for the upcoming budget cycle and to process the one-time supplemental payment approved at the meeting.
What’s next: The commission approved the supplemental payment immediately and agreed to consider the larger $15,000 allocation during the budget process.
